Wednesday of the 3rd week of Easter year A

Theme: Great persecution

In the 1st reading of today from the Acts of the Apostles, the church encountered great persecution after the death of Steven in Jerusalem. As a result of the persecution, the people scattered and moved out of Jerusalem, to continue to spread the word of God. The persecution was a platform on which the propagation of the faith stood. Ordinarily one would say that the situation was a bad one for the followers of Christ, but God used it as an opportunity to spread the faith to other places. Interestingly some of us find ourselves in similar situation in life, the situation comes across as a challenging and difficult one at the beginning, only for us to later realize that God has other plans for us; that goes beyond the ordinary face value.

My brothers and sisters in Christ, it is important that in every situation we encounter in our lives, we must be patient and look at the larger picture and not just the difficulties that are associated with the situation we have found ourselves. One with God in any given situation can do exploits for God, just like Philip in the 1st reading of today. The most important thing is for us to have God on our side, and gradually everything will fall into place, because God will guide our actions and grant us the necessary wisdom with which to witness to Christ. Like I always say, we serve a God that is capable of fighting for himself and his people, the question is have you done what you should do in your situation?

The assertion of Jesus Christ in the gospel reading of today should strengthen our resolve to play our own role and leave whatever is left to God, and he will never disappoint or fail us. To believe in Jesus who is the Bread of life, is a sure sign that you will not hunger or thirst, because Jesus will gladly make the necessary provision for you. With this wonderful assurance coming from Jesus himself, why do we still find it difficult to trust in Jesus the Bread of life, when we are faced with the storms of life? Jesus has all the answers and solutions that we seek, why not present them to him in faith and allow him to take control of the situation?

Dearly beloved in Christ, as we continue to strive to embrace the teachings of Jesus Christ who is the Bread of life, may almighty God bless you in the name of the father and of the son and of the holy spirit. Amen. Peace be with you.

Wednesday of the 3rd week of Easter year A, by Fr. Jude Ifeanyi Ifezime, C.S.Sp