Many times we are faced with a choice: be silent about the truth and be left in peace, or speak out and suffer the consequences. The apostles are unable to remain silent, for they have seen and experienced too many wonderful things. They remember their previous cowardice, but that is now in the past. From now on, they proclaim the Risen Lord and they fear no one. Even threats and the imposition of authority do not slow them down. Are we able to speak fearlessly about God and what God has done for us? Do we remain silent in the face of injustices because we fear the consequences if we speak out? We should know that God's spirit will give us the strength and the courage we need. In our witness to truth and justice let us not be silenced by fear.

In John's view, the reason that many misunderstand Jesus is that He is from above, which is the spiritual abode of God. He tries to teach people the things he has seen and heard, but they do not understand. They find many of His teachings disturbing or difficult to understand, for they are immersed in their own limited and earthly understanding. It is only through love - and the embrace of God's spirit - that we are able to overcome human limitations and understand the divine message. Our understanding will often come as an insight or a sudden clarity of spiritual vision. We should not be discouraged, let us seek the guidance and instruction of our interior teacher: God's spirit.