Every disappointment is a blessing if we allow God's will to be done in every situation (HOMILY FOR SATURDAY OF THE 4TH WEEK OF EASTER MAY 2023

Homily for Saturday of the 4th Week of Easter

Acts 13:44-52; John 14:7-14.

In the first reading, the Jews at Antioch in Pisidia rejected God's word preached by 

Paul and Barnabas. Their rejection yielded great result. The Gentiles heard God's word, "they were glad and glorified the Lord; and as many as were ordained to eternal life believed" (Acts 13:48).

When a door of opportunity is closed, let us look for another door that the Lord opens for us. Every disappointment is a blessing if we allow God's will to be done in every situation. "All things work together for good for those who love God" (Rom.8:28).

Philip said to Jesus in today's Gospel, "Lord, show us the Father, and we shall be satisfied" (Jon14.8). Jesus answered him, He who has seen me has seen the Father" (John 14:9).

To have seen the Father in our Lord Jesus Christ demands faith. It is faith alone that can make one see the Father in the Son, and that is why Jesus told Philip: "Believe me that I am in the Father and the Father is in me; or else believe me for the sake of the works themselves" (John 14:11). Christ's divinity can only be seen and known by spiritual insight, by faith, the eye of the soul. Faith is supported by the strongest evidence, the evidence of miracles. But miracles will not generate faith. Faith is a gift from God.

Lastly, Jesus said, "Whatever you ask in my name, I will do it, that the Father may be glorified in the Son; if you ask anything in my name, I will do it" (John 14:13-14). We must pray in the person of Christ Jesus, that is, in union with Christ Jesus, in obedience to his commandments.

If we want Jesus to do anything for us in his name, we must ask in accordance with his will. We must do whatever He tells us to do (cf.John 2:5).

May God grant us an increase of faith to see Him in his Son and to see his Son in Him through Christ our Lord. Amen.