Acts 5:27-33 / John 3:31-36 (2016)
To be in the position of power and authority, it is also fundamental and essential to practise justice, integrity and honesty.
That is the very basic requirement for anyone who holds the position of power and authority.
When spiritual authority is combined with political power, then the bar is raised to an extraordinary level.
Simply because the more one has, the more it is required and expected.
In the 1st reading we heard of a face-off between those in power and authority, and those who had nothing to their credit except the testimony of the resurrection.
In the end, those in power and authority were so angered and infuriated that they wanted to put the apostles to death.
Yet the apostles were simply testifying to the truth. In effect they were asking those in power and authority, where was their integrity and where was their honesty and was there justice in what they did and were doing.
The fruits of truth are integrity and honesty and justice. Those are also the fruits of life that will lead us to eternal life with God who is the source of all truth.
Today's readings remind those who are in power and authority of their responsibility.
Abuse of power and authority will lead to death which is the fruit of evil.
Whereas when power and authority are used in the service of justice and integrity and honesty will lead to life, which is the gift from God.