TODAYS REFLECTION 3RD WEEK OF EASTER, memorial of Pope Saint Martin I, WED APRIL 13

TODAYS REFLECTION 3RD WEEK OF EASTER, memorial of Pope Saint Martin I, WED APRIL 13 ( Acts 8:1b-8, Jn 6:35-40 )

#PREACHINGTHEWORDAMIDSTPERSECUTIONS#

Todays passage from Acts of the Apostle reminds us that Easter is a season not only of rejoicing but also of challenge. Has it transformed us as it did the first Christians? I picture the heroic early Christians as normal people who had families, homes and jobs. They were carpenters, farmers, homemakers and fishermen. But their lives were never the same after the Word touched them and Saul entered their houses to turn them over to the authorities for imprisonment. Afterwards, they picked up the pieces and went back to preaching.

Have we ever disrupted our life in the slightest to spread the Word of God? Would we have the courage to proclaim our beliefs in the face of hostility or would we quietly slink away and wait for the furor to pass? How many of us can imagine being that brave and persistent on behalf of our faith? God's word is living and effective, sharper than any two-edged sword" (Heb 4:12). God's Word resists our resistance and demands a response.

In the gospel, Jesus makes three claims here. First he offers himself as spiritual food which produces the very life of God within us. Second, he promises unbroken friendship and freedom from the fear of being forsaken or cut off from God. Third, he offers us the hope of sharing in his resurrection. Jesus rose physically never to die again. Those who accept Him will be bodily raised up to immortal life with Jesus when he comes again on the last day. Do you know the joy and hope of the resurrection? May we be unwavering in faith and obedience in doing the will of our Father in heaven all the time. Wishing you Wednesday blessings.