Heaven is where the will of God is perfectly fulfilled. Through human rulers, who are the good stewards of God's creation, God exercises His lordship on earth. Earthly rulers, nevertheless, may not always exercise their stewardship in good spirit. This makes it difficult for many of us to experience God's lordship in a human world marked by injustice, pain and moral disorder. Jesus' resurrection is the beginning of God's new project not to snatch people away from earth to heaven but to impregnate earth with the life of heaven. God wants us to be more human not less human. He wants us to pursue a vocation, to be responsible in the tasks assigned, to delight in beauty, music, love and laughter.

Today's first reading shows us how the Apostles dealt with the high priest who was irresponsible in the exercise of his religious authority. Instead of being honoured by the Sanhedrin for obeying God, they suffered humiliation gladly. The second reading reminds us of Jesus who receives glory, honour and power because of his humble service to humanity. The sudden fruitfulness of their earlier failed efforts leads the Apostles to a realization of the Risen Jesus' lordship over all creation.