Can Anyone Stop God?

(Homily for April 28, 2017).


The words of Gamaliel in our first reading today are worth pondering upon: “If this plan or undertaking is of men, it will fail; but if it is of God, you will not be able to overthrow them. You might even be found opposing God.”

With this statement, the chief priests and religious leaders had to let the Apostles be at last. They realized that there was no need fighting them further since that could mean fighting God. They simply had the Apostles flogged and charged them not to speak in the name of Jesus.

The very fact that the Christian faith continues to this day and that many more continue to preach the name of Jesus Christ is a clear proof that indeed the mission of the Apostles was not the making of man but of God. Indeed, no one can succeed in overthrowing something that God himself has established.

Yes, no one can stop God. This is our confidence, this is the faith on which we stand. Whoever tries to fight the church will find himself or herself contending directly with God and no one can overthrow God.

In our Gospel passage, Jesus proved that with God nothing is impossible by feeding a crowd of about five thousand with just five loaves and two fish. As John tells us, this miracle is a sign; a pointer to some deeper reality.

Jesus’ purpose for working such a miracle was not simply to feed their hungry stomachs but to direct their hearts towards him; to make them realize God was in their midst; that only in God will all their needs be met and to prepare them for the gift of the Holy Eucharist.

The people for their part realized a miracle had just happened. They knew the way they had just been fed was not ordinary but instead of recognizing Jesus’ divinity, they perceived him as an earthly Messiah and were trying to make him king.

The experience of the Apostles and the feeding of the five thousand teaches us a lesson: Indeed, no one can stop God, not even the forces of nature. The God who created the five loaves and two fish which would normally feed just one or two persons is able to use that same five loaves and two fish to feed a multitude.

We should therefore no longer be scared of anything or anyone when we know God is involved. When people threaten us or we don’t seem to have enough, let us call on God. The God who saw the Apostles through and who provided for the multitude will surely come to help us.

Let us Pray: Lord Jesus, deepen my trust in your protection that I may fearlessly walk in your light. Amen.

*Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. God bless you. (Friday of the 2nd Week of Easter. Bible Study: Acts 5:34-42 and John 6:1-15).*

Fr. Abu.



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