HOMILY FOR MONDAY OF THE 3RD WEEK OF EASTER
THEME: Do not work for food that cannot last, but for food that endures to eternal life.
BY: Fr. Diotacious Chikontwe SMA
HOMILY FOR MONDAY MAY 2 2022
Memorial of St. Athanasius, Bishop and Doctor of the Church.
*READINGS OF THE DAY*
Acts 6:8-15
Psalm 118:23-24,26-27,29-30
John 6:22-29
*FROM OUR FIRST READING*
In our first reading today, we heard of the story of the time when St. Stephen, one of the seven first deacons of the Church, was confronted by the opponents of the Church, those who refused to believe in God and His truth as revealed through the Lord Jesus and His Apostles. The Sanhedrin and all those who have arrested and oppressed the Apostles tried a lot of effort to suppress the rapidly spreading Christian teachings and faith. And in order to do that, they even chose to employ false witnesses and other methods to try to persecute the disciples of the Lord like St. Stephen.
*FROM OUR GOSPEL READING*
In the gospel reading this morning, the people come to Jesus looking for more of the bread they ate when Jesus multiplied the loaves and fish. In response, Jesus challenges them to work, not for food that cannot last, but for food that endures to eternal life. In a sense, Jesus is calling on them to get their priorities right, to put most energy into what is ultimately important. Yes, Jesus fed their physical hunger in the wilderness, but more importantly he wants to feed their spiritual hunger, their longing for true life, the life that endures forever, eternal life.
*CONCLUSION*
Dear brethrens, in this morning’s gospel, Jesus calls on us to search for him for who he is rather than for what he can give us. The temptation is always to relate to people for what they might be able to give to us rather than relating to them for who they are. We are called to love others for themselves rather than for what we can get from them. What is true of our relationship with others is true to a greater extent of our relationship with Jesus. Rather than seeking the consolations of the Lord we are to seek the Lord of consolation. In the words of this morning’s gospel reading, we are to believe in the one that God has sent.
May we have a Blessed New Month!
Fr. Diotacious Chikontwe SMA