(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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