Putting Faith into Action in a World of Darkness

 5th Sunday of Easter: May 07, 2023

Readings: Acts 6:1–7; Psalm 33:1–2, 4–5, 18–19; 1 Peter 2:4–9; John 14:1–12

(Photo courtesy: Jean Marc Arkelian)

To listen to my audio-video reflections via YouTube, please click here:https://youtu.be/RDDsmCUWPJY

During this Easter season, we have been reading from the New Testament, with the exception of the Psalm, which is taken from the Old Testament. Easter is about moving forward and leaving our past behind. It is also about focusing on the present moment, savoring and enjoying what we have in the here and now. We should never feel a lack of the living water that God gives us through his Son. Therefore, we should dwell calmly and continuously in the present, while also recognizing the urgency and immediacy of our actions. The liturgical reading for the 5th Sunday of Easter invites us to walk with the disciples of Jesus, who are increasing in number through their love and service to God and their neighbors. They believe that there is one Father for all who gives everything and that Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life.

1. Friction between the temporary and the eternal

John 14:1-12 is a passage that provides us with the comforting words of Jesus, who tells his disciples not to be troubled or afraid but to trust in God and in him. He promises to prepare a place for them and to return to take them with him. This is a powerful message for us as we gather together as a community of believers. As we reflect on this passage, we can find a great source of hope and encouragement in the midst of uncertainty and fear. Jesus reminds us that we are not alone in this world and that he is always with us, guiding us along the way. He calls us to trust in him, even when we don't understand everything that is happening around us.

Moreover, Jesus emphasizes that he is the way, the truth, and the life. He is the only way to the Father, and through him, we can have eternal life. Therefore we must understand that we cannot save ourselves, but we need a Savior. Our faith is not just a set of beliefs, but a relationship with God that requires us to trust in him and follow his example. We are often faced with many challenges and uncertainties in life, but Jesus reminds us that we can find peace and security in him. We need Jesus in our lives, not just for the temporary comfort that he brings, but for the ultimate salvation that he offers.

2. To be courageous disciples of our Lord

In addition, Jesus invites us to follow his example and to do the works that he did. As his followers, we are called to love one another, to serve others, to spread the good news of the gospel, and to bring light into the darkness. This is a call that our faith is not just a passive belief, but an active and dynamic relationship with God that requires us to put our faith into action. It is a call to action, to put our faith into practice by loving one another, serving others, and sharing the good news of the gospel. As we gather together in worship, we are reminded that we are part of a larger community that is called to make a positive impact on the world around us. 

In fact, this week has been marred by violence around the world, from Sudan to Israel, Ukraine, and the state of Manipur in India, where bloodshed and destruction have occurred. The enmity, wickedness and evil within the human person are so great that it seems there is no control over emotions and hatred. The elections in the state of Karnataka have seen unprecedented hate speeches, mockery of others, and demeaning rhetoric. This is becoming just another way of living, and unfortunately, it is found in all so-called civilized nations of this world. The extreme form of negativity, violence, and evil is fed to us by all kinds of media. We too are, unconsciously, inflated by the negative trends and wicked culture of death.  As Christians, we have a major stake in this and a prophetic role to play. This is only possible when we stay connected with the person of Jesus and live our lives in accordance with his teachings.

3. Being strengthened by the Spirit of the Early Church

In the context of widespread strife and violence in our society, and the lack of civic sense that we have experienced in our world, we must look back and see how our forefathers and mothers overcame such tragedies of life. The suffering of the Crucifixion of our Lord happened because people took the law into their hands, and each one interpreted it in their own way without listening to the spirit of God. The early Christian church faced many challenges and conflicts, just like we do today. Acts 6:1-7 tells us how the Church concentrated on listening and following the Word of God.  They recognized the temporality of human actions and focused on those things which are life-giving and eternal. 

The selection of the deacons, by the early Church, shows us the importance of unity in the church. The apostles recognized that they could not handle all the responsibilities of the church on their own, and they worked together to choose the deacons. They delegated their responsibilities. Inclusivism marked the life of the Church. The patristic literature tells us that there were also women deacons. When we share our life with others, there is no place for selfishness, corruption, arrogance, greed, intolerance, indifference, apathy, nepotism or egoism. Violence and hatred can be contained and peace and tranquility can be established. 

Conclusion: As we come together in worship, we are reminded of the importance of staying connected to Jesus and striving to live our lives in accordance with his teachings. All our gifts and talents are to serve God and others. We should not seek positions of power or influence for our own sake, but instead seek to serve humbly and selflessly. The Holy Spirit empowers us to serve God and make a positive impact on the world around us and to bring glory to God and blessings to others. May we be inspired by the example of the early Christian church and strive to live out these principles in our own lives and in our communities of faith.

A few questions for self-reflection: 

1. Am I willing to surrender control and trust in God's plan for my life, even when it doesn't align with my own desires or expectations?
2. How do I prioritize my relationship with God and my pursuit of holiness, and am I consistently seeking to grow and mature in my faith?
3. Do I recognize the power of the Holy Spirit within me, and am I allowing him to work through me to accomplish God's purposes?
4. Do I truly believe in Jesus as the way, the truth, and the life, and do I rely on him as my guide and savior?

Prayer based on Psalm 33

Dear Lord, we praise you with all our hearts, for you are worthy of all honor and glory. Your word is true and your deeds are just, and we trust in your unfailing love and faithfulness. May your mercy and grace be upon us, and may your Holy Spirit guide us in all that we do. 

    We lift up our voices in song and thanksgiving, for you have created all things and sustain them with your powerful word. Help us to live in obedience to your commands, and to seek your will above all else. May your righteousness shine through us, and may our lives be a testament to your goodness and love. We give you all the praise and honor, now and forevermore. We make this prayer in Jesus' Holy Name, Amen.

- Olvin Veigas, SJ

May 05, 2023