Reading and meditation on the Word of God on Friday of the 7th week of Easter, June 6, 2025

Delivered by Ivan Kristianto from the Parish of Sydney City South in the Archdiocese of Sydney, Australia. Acts of the Apostles 25: 13-21; Rs psalm 103: 1-2.11-12.19-20ab; John 21: 15-19.OUR JUSTIFICATION FROM THE LORD The title for our meditation today is:Our Justification From The Lord. This expression: “Our justification from theLord” means an act of God that justifies and strengthens our dignity as sonsand daughters, which means separating us from the evil and worldly powers thatwant to keep us away from Him. The most obvious example is SaintPaul's trial before the rulers of the world on the basis of the faith that heprofessed and taught. Jesus Christ experienced the same when He was confrontedwith Pontius Pilate. It is there that the justification of God is so evident.It reveals in both words and deeds so that on the one hand stands the truth ofGod that confronts the truth of this world on the other. The outcome should beclear, namely the truth of God must break away from this world to return to itsowner, namely God himself. This is done through a death in this world, in orderto have a new life in the hereafter. Saint Paul's trial is related to theevangelization of the Early Church, while there is also a trial that Saint Peterexperienced when Jesus specifically "judged" him. The term Jesus "judged"is intended to put someone right and honest before God. Peter was interrogatedabout his sincerity, faith and commitment to follow Christ. Peter was famousfor talking without thinking, so he was often mistaken and misunderstood. With thattrial Peter could arrive at his commitment along with his appointment to becomethe leader of the Church.  Justification through a court, whetherby an instrument of the state law enforcement or by God himself, must obey oneof the fundamental conditions which is objectivity. People’s consciences,society and public opinion help to shape an objectivity. Whereas ifjustification comes only from one or two persons, who clearly oppose theconsciences of many people, it must be against the truth. The voice and will of God aremanifested through shared opinion in the Church facilitated by her leaders.Through words and deeds of the Church leaders, the justification of our faithand its implementation in life are achieved. For example, if you get absolutionin the sacrament of reconciliation through the ministry of the Church in thehands of the confessor, you are justified and you are in the guidance of thatjustification. God justifies us in this world through legitimate instruments,and one that is most important is the Church. Let's pray. In the name of theFather ... O most loving God, increase our courage and strength that we may beable to deal with various kinds of difficulties and evil influences, so we mayobtain Your justification and try to live it through words and deeds throughoutour lives. Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit ... In thename of the Father ...