From Ashes to Glory

Wednesday, 17 April 2024. Readings: Acts 8:1-8, Ps. 66:1-7, John 6:35-40

“On that day, a great persecution arose against the church in Jerusalem; they were all scattered throughout the region of Judea and Samaria.” (Acts 8:1)

In today’s Gospel passage, Jesus continues his sermon on the meaning and importance of the Holy Eucharist. As the crowds listened, they didn’t know that by “bread of life”, Jesus was referring to his flesh and blood. Today’s first reading narrates the great persecution that arose against the church following the death of Stephen. This persecution, though distant in time, echoes the challenges we face in our own lives. During his stoning, the witnesses laid their garments at the feet of a young man named Saul, who became determined to wipe out the entire church. However, this reading concludes on a positive note: “So there was much joy in that city.” (Acts 8:8). What lessons do we learn from today’s readings?

1. God Knows How to Write Straight on Crooked Lines: The first reading teaches us that God can bring good out of even the most painful circumstances. Saul’s persecution pushed the church out of its comfort zone, leading to the discovery of many believers' talents and gifts. Like food that has to be cooked before its nutritional value comes out, hardship helps to cook us. It transforms us, making us stronger, more resilient. One shining example is Philip, who was forced to go to the city of Samaria. Philip succeeded in converting multitudes, and God used him to work great signs and wonders. God knows how to use negative situations to our advantage. Today’s Psalm says: “Cry out with joy to God, all the earth.” Is it possible to cry and still remain joyful? The meaning is: If serving God brings you tears, let your heart remain joyful. Trust that God knows exactly what He is doing.

2. God is Never Far From Us When Bad Things Happen: I am inspired by the fact that as the Christians dispersed, they did not interpret Saul’s persecution as a sign of weakness on the part of God. When Jesus was on the Cross of Calvary, many said: “If this man is truly God’s Son, He will not allow this to happen.” God must have smiled when they made such statements. This shows that even in the face of adversity, faith can be a powerful source of strength. Never think that God is far from you when you face challenges. Never turn your back against God just because your enemies are succeeding. Instead of running from one prayer house to another in a bid to end your challenges, reflect on how you can use these challenges to promote God’s kingdom on earth. Stop waiting for the perfect conditions or the perfect timing.

3. Follow the Narrow Road: The Fear of Change, The Path of Least Resistance, and The Quest for Shortcuts are three great obstacles to success. The bottom line of these three is the strong desire in us humans to avoid suffering by all means, or as Jesus puts it, choosing the wide road instead of the narrow path. Learn to embrace change and avoid shortcuts; if your path requires you to walk through hell, walk as though you own the place. Remember, “Weeping may tarry for the night, but joy comes with the morning.”(Psalm 30:5). Jesus says: “When they persecute you in one town, flee to the next; for truly, I say to you, you will not have gone through all the towns of Israel before the Son of man comes.” (Matthew 10:23). In other words, when the going gets tough, keep going.

4. If God Doesn’t Answer Your Prayer, He is Planning Something Bigger: In today’s Gospel passage, the crowd sought Jesus because they wanted a repeat of the miracle of the loaves. Jesus could have fed them with bread, but He wanted them to have something greater than physical bread. The Israelites ate ordinary bread (manna), but they got tired of it at some point and started complaining. Don’t worry if God doesn’t answer your prayer; He knows that you will get tired of what you are asking for with time. Trust that He is preparing something far better for you.

Let us pray: Almighty, ever-living God, save me from discouragement and despair. Through Jesus Christ, Our Lord. Amen

Remember, amid all challenges, choose to be happy. Live with a positive mindset and believe in God’s plan for you. God bless you abundantly. (Wednesday of the 3rd week of Eastertide. Bible Study: Acts 8:1-8, Ps. 66:1-7, John 6:35-40).

@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu