In the Gospel reading today from John 14, Jesus says, “Whoever loves me will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our dwelling with him.” We all like to think that we love Jesus, right? But are we keeping His word? Are we living out His teachings in our lives? Perhaps further examination is merited in this matter.
We read a very interesting story today in our first reading from Acts 14. Paul and Barnabas had just fled Iconium because they were about to be stoned. They went to Lystra to preach the Gospel and there healed a crippled man, lame from birth who had never walked. The crowds could not believe their eyes and thought that the gods had come down. They began to call Paul “Hermes” and Barnabas “Zeus.” The people were about to offer sacrifice to them when Paul and Barnabas spoke up to tell the people about the one true God, and how it was the power of God working through them.
I've written in the past about the cult of personality. It's odd to think that someone would actually "worship" another human being. And while perhaps not attributing to someone actual god-like status (which actually happens in some rare instances), there are many who seem to come fairly close, especially with politicians and even religious leaders. Don't go down that road. No politician or religious leader can save you, and though some may achieve positions of great power, they still have feet of clay. Worship God alone!
Father, forgive us for when we put our trust in anyone but you. May all people worship you alone. Amen.
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