The Fruits of walking in the way of the Lord (HOMILY FOR SATURDAY OF THE 3RD WEEK OF EASTER APRIL 2023

HOMILY FOR SATURDAY OF THE 3RD WEEK OF EASTER 

Acts 9:31-42; Ps.116; John 6:60-69

The Fruits of walking in the way of the Lord

In the first reading of today, two miracles were worked by the power of the risen Christ through the instrumentality of Peter: Aeneas who has been bedridden for eight years was healed; Tabitha was brought back to life again. The healing of the sick and raising of the dead were signs that were associated with Jesus. For these signs to also be associated with the disciples was a clear testimony to the fact that power of the risen Christ was still with the Church. Jesus’ resurrection and ascension did not translate into his absence from the Church.

While the authorities continued to persecute the Church, the common people would have been skeptical if the disciples will be able to continue with the mission of Christ. This skepticism must have been heightened by those unfortunate times when the disciples attempted to perform some works but could not until Jesus came to their aid. Those who became followers of Jesus because of the physical presence of Jesus, may have withdrawn after his death.

So, to see the disciples doing the very things Jesus did, gave great hope to the people that Christ was very much with his Church. Now we can confidently say that this is the Church of Christ. However, the disciples were able to do great things because they walked in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit. Two days ago we saw how the Spirit directed Philip to the Ethiopian Eunuch and thereafter to Azotus; and Philip did not resist but was docile.

Today, the Spirit of God is very much ready and available to work in and through us but the challenge lies in our readiness to walk in the fear of the Lord and be submissive to the Holy Spirit. When we lack the fear of God and rather walk in our selfish ways, we become unavailable for God to use, because our thoughts and ways are far different from that of God. When the way of a man pleases the Lord, there is no limit to what God can do through him or her. God wants to use us but are we ready to be used?