The Fight Against God

Friday of the Second Week of Easter

Acts of the Apostles 5:34-42

So now I tell you, have nothing to do with these men, and let them go. For if this endeavor or this activity is of human origin, will destroy itself. But if it comes from God, you will not be able to destroy them;  you may even find yourselves fighting against God.” They were persuaded by him.

In today's first reading, Gamaliel, a teacher of the law, is a very wise man.  He warns the Sanhedrin to do nothing and let the Apostles go.  If the teaching and preaching comes from God himself, it can never be destroyed.  In fact, the Sanhedrin may find themselves fighting against God....

We all know that God will triumph, especially at the end of time. There's no stopping His progress.  So why do we naturally want to fight against God? Why take the risk? Why throw ourselves into a rage whenever the word God is even mentioned?

What I find worrisome about our world today is not only the indifference toward God but the rage and hate that Christians and other God-fearing people encounter because they believe in a Higher Power.  Religious freedom throughout the world is threatened.  Those who take a Christian stand for the protection of life are ridiculed.  Christians who support the sanctity of traditional marriage are some how the enemy.  

We fight against God because we want things to go our way.  We are very impatient creatures more stimulated by sensuality than temperance; pride than humility; greed than charity.  When we cling to vices and throw away virtues we put on our boxing gloves and throw a few punches at God!  We think that somehow we don't need him around.  In fact, he's a nuisance!  He doesn't even exist.  He does nothing to make our lives stimulating and interesting.  All of the praying, bible study, and church going only makes us loathed by society. Who wants to be around a devout religious, especially one who's chaste or is against abortion on demand?

When we fight against God, we only hurt ourselves!  God gives us so much peace and love.  He gives us courage and strength.  We are never alone when we believe in God.  There's something comforting about knowing an invisible God created us and guides us along our life journeys. He knows us more intimately than even our mother and father!  He places people and situations in our paths to challenge me.  When we fight the challenge, that when life appears completely out of control!  However, when we realize God has given us a cross in order to bring us closer to Him, then we no longer feel the urge to fight God's providence.  We can relax our hands, take off the boxing gloves, and toss them to the side.  Leave the boxing ring in peace.... 

.....No punches.  No bruises.  No shouting and cursing.  The fight is over.  The healing has begun.  God is in control and he is the winner!

-J.