Reflection on May 07th 2019
Life Giving Bread
Life Giving Bread
Acts 7:51-8:1; Psalm 31:3-4, 6-8; 17< 21; John 6:30-35
Link to Readings
It was not yesterday the world started persecuting Christians. That was not because they conspired against nations or governments; not because they created situations to unsettle the countries; not because they did secret businesses harmful to people and not because they spread their religion by deceiving people either. Christians were persecuted because the message they were preaching was challenging the way of living of many people. It is the same even today. Stephen was killed just because the leaders could not answer his accusations and because they could not stand the wisdom this simple man showed.
Jesus did not promise a problem free life if we follow him. He asked us to follow him carrying our crosses. He showed it through his own life. The only promise he gave was that he would be with us all the time without abandoning us. That was why those who followed him faithfully could say he is their rock of refuge and place of safety. They were rejoicing of his mercy and kindness and did not hesitate to commend their lives in to his hands.
The way Jesus chose to be with us was to come into us as food, a life giving food. Whenever we receive the Holy Eucharist we should be able to experience his presence in us, his security for us and his life in us. If not, receiving the Holy Eucharist will become just a ritual.
Link to Readings
It was not yesterday the world started persecuting Christians. That was not because they conspired against nations or governments; not because they created situations to unsettle the countries; not because they did secret businesses harmful to people and not because they spread their religion by deceiving people either. Christians were persecuted because the message they were preaching was challenging the way of living of many people. It is the same even today. Stephen was killed just because the leaders could not answer his accusations and because they could not stand the wisdom this simple man showed.
Jesus did not promise a problem free life if we follow him. He asked us to follow him carrying our crosses. He showed it through his own life. The only promise he gave was that he would be with us all the time without abandoning us. That was why those who followed him faithfully could say he is their rock of refuge and place of safety. They were rejoicing of his mercy and kindness and did not hesitate to commend their lives in to his hands.
The way Jesus chose to be with us was to come into us as food, a life giving food. Whenever we receive the Holy Eucharist we should be able to experience his presence in us, his security for us and his life in us. If not, receiving the Holy Eucharist will become just a ritual.