Readings: Acts 6:1-7, 1 Peter 2:4-9; Jn. 14:1-12
Have no anxiety at all
1. In today’s Gospel,
Jesus told his apostles: “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You
have faith in God; have faith also in me.” (Jn. 14:1). Jesus is
addressing these words to us today, as we deal with the world in crisis, with
wars in the Middle East and the continuous conflict between Russia and Ukraine.
With these conflicts come other consequential effects: food and gas prices keep
going up. We cannot honestly say that we are not anxious, worried, or afraid.
We worry about our health, finances, mortgages, our children’s education, and
their future. We are also afflicted by national and international fear and
trouble, of increasing violence and crimes in our cities. We fear loss and
failure, criticism and rejection; we are most worried about the unknown. But should
we? O Lord, we are afraid! We are anxious.
2. The second reading
from the Acts of the Apostles shows us how the early Christian community was
united in mind and heart. They devoted themselves to the teaching of
the apostles, to the communal life, to the breaking of the bread, and to
prayers. And with great power, they bore witness to the risen Lord.
(Acts 2:42-47). Amidst that perfect
community, we heard of fear and anxiety, as the Greek speaking Jews - the
Hellenists – complained that their widows were left out during the daily
distribution of food. Fear can, sometimes, propel people to greater heights.
Peter realized that the apostles needed assistance, “It is not right for us to
neglect the word of God to serve at the table. Brothers, select from among you
seven reputable men, filled with the Spirit and wisdom, whom we shall appoint
to this task, whereas we shall devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry
of the word.” (Acts 6:2-5). Thus, the diaconal ministry was
inaugurated. This ministry of service enabled the apostles to devote themselves
to prayer and preaching the word.
3. In our worries,
fear, and anxiety, we must not forget to devote ourselves to prayer and to the
reading of the word, as the apostles did. By so doing, Peter said we will “Come
to the living stone, rejected by human beings but chosen and precious in the
sight of God, and, like living stones, let yourselves be built into a spiritual
house to be a holy priesthood to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God
through Jesus Christ.” (1 Peter 2:4-6). For “You are ‘a chosen
race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people of his own, so that you may
announce the praises’ of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful
light.” (1 Peter 2:9).
4. Friends, this is
why we should not be afraid. Christ tells us: “Do not worry about your life.
Can any of you, by worrying, add a single moment to your lifespan?”
(Matt. 6:25-34). And Paul adds, “Have no anxiety at all, but in everything,
by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, make your requests known to God.
Then the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts
and minds in Christ Jesus.” (Phil. 4:6-6). The secret to a worry-free
life is to depend on God. We must cry out to God like Peter and devote our
lives to prayer and reflecting on the word of God like the early Christians.
They depended on one another in their fears and anxiety. We have our families,
our church, and our circle of friends. Let us fall back on them for support
when we are afraid. The disciples were together in prayer, in bible reading,
and in the breaking of bread. We must do the same. Jesus assures us that He is the
way, the truth, and the life. Even when we do not know where He is
going or know the way, He is our way, He is our truth, he is our life. He knows
the Father, and he knows how to get us to the Father. We must trust him. We
must also see ourselves in the service of love and mercy to one another.
5. We thank God for our children who made their first Holy Communion today. We thank their families and those who prepared them for the reception of Jesus Christ, the word of God, and the bread of life. May Christ guide and continuously point them to the path they are to follow in life. We hope and pray that, as they grow in faith and love, they may consider the vocation to the Holy Priesthood that will make them ministers of the sacrament they have received today. Amen.
Rev.
Augustine Etemma Inwang, MSP
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