HAVE FAITH

After the people saw the sign Jesus performed, they began to say, “Surely this is the Prophet who is to come into the world.” – John 6:14

I had just finished reading the Scripture for the day before I wrote this reflection. This passage in the book of Matthew struck me. Jesus said to Peter: “Flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Heavenly Father.” Jesus affirmed Peter for his strong faith, a gift from the Holy Spirit. Even without any tangible sign or “ flesh and blood,” he believed.

I sometimes have a hard time believing in things yet to be seen. This is our weakness as humans. We have to see first before we believe. That’s why God had to come down to our level and send Jesus to earth. He is “Emmanuel,” God who is with us. Jesus is the living “sign” to be seen to help us believe.

Jesus also gave signs to help us understand God the Father. In the Gospel today, Jesus had to show signs through a miracle, the multiplication of loaves.

Sadly, we require signs or miracles before we truly believe. Let’s pray that we come to the point of believing not by sight, but by strong faith. Erika Mendoza (epaulmendoza@gmail.com)

Reflect: “So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal... We live by faith, not by sight.” (2 Corinthians 4:18; 5:7)

Lord, sorry for my little faith. Guide me as I strengthen my faith in You.

In today’s reading, Gamaliel gives wise advice to the Sanhedrin. When we are confronted about the truth of the Gospel, we must decide whether or not to follow it, to believe in Jesus and become His disciples, or to have faith in the promises of God.

Acts 5:34-42

34 A Pharisee in the Sanhedrin named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law and respected by all the people, stood up, ordered the Apostles to be put outside for a short time, 35 and said to the Sanhedrin, “Fellow children of Israel, be careful what you are about to do to these men. 36 Some time ago, Theudas appeared, claiming to be someone important, and about four hundred men joined him, but he was killed, and all those who were loyal to him were disbanded and came to nothing. 37 After him came Judas the Galilean at the time of the census. He also drew people after him, but he too perished and all who were loyal to him were scattered. 38 So now I tell you, have nothing to do with these men, and let them go. For if this endeavor or this activity is of human origin, it will destroy itself. 39 But if it comes from God, you will not be able to destroy them; you may even find yourselves fighting against God.” They were persuaded by him. 40 After recalling the Apostles, they had them flogged, ordered them to stop speaking in the name of Jesus, and dismissed them. 41 So they left the presence of the Sanhedrin, rejoicing that they had been found worthy to suffer dishonor for the sake of the name. 42 And all day long, both at the temple and in their homes, they did not stop teaching and proclaiming the Christ, Jesus.

P S A L M 

Psalm 27:1, 4, 13-14

R: One thing I seek: to dwell in the house of the Lord.

1 The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom should I fear? The Lord is my life’s refuge; of whom should I be afraid? (R) 4 One thing I ask of the Lord; this I seek: to dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, that I may gaze on the loveliness of the Lord and contemplate his temple. (R) 13 I believe that I shall see the bounty of the Lord in the land of the living. 14 Wait for the Lord with courage; be stouthearted and wait for the Lord. (R) 

GOSPEL

Jesus feeds the multitude with only five loaves of bread and two fish. The people knew that a miracle has occurred. I will never forget the first time I witnessed a similar miracle. I was so amazed by it and did not know what to think. Before, I was skeptical about miracles. Now, I believe because I saw one happen. 

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

BE PROUD, BE READY

Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI has always been known for his self-effacing humility. When he was elected pope on April 19, 2005, he called himself a “useless laborer in the vineyard of the Lord.” In one candid interview, he was quoted as saying that many have tried to destroy the Church for two thousand years and it has survived: “I guess this unworthy pope will not be successful either,” or words to that effect.

In today’s First Reading, the persecution of the early Church continues.  The Apostles were brought to trial before a council of elders. One of the persecutors, identified as Gamaliel, spoke what now proved to be a divinely inspired prophecy. It is worth quoting his words: “Some time ago  Theudas appeared, claiming to be somebody, and about four hundred men rallied to him. He was killed, all his followers were dispersed, and it all came to nothing. After him, Judas the Galilean appeared in the days of the census and led a band of people in revolt. He too was killed, and all his followers were scattered.  Therefore, in the present case I advise you: Leave these men alone! Let them go! For if their purpose or activity is of human origin, it will fail. But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men; you will only find yourselves fighting against God” (Acts 5:36-39, NIV).

That intervention is now known as the Gamaliel principle. Truly, the Roman Catholic Church has survived and lived on for over two millennia now. Many have tried to destroy this Church, both from inside and out, knowingly and unknowingly, and it still stands.

Today, be proud that you are part of this Church! As Gamaliel pointed out, the Church’s resilience in front of countless waves of trials and persecutions point to nothing else but its divine origin. But be ready also for your own share of heroic witness, labor, and delity. Like the Apostles, we should rejoice that we are counted worthy to suffer shame for His name. After all, what is easy doesn’t always last. What lasts isn’t always easy! Fr. Joel O. Jason

------- REFLECTION QUESTIONS -------

Do you make a conscious effort to put a missionary dimension in the practice of your faith? Do you shy away from opportunities of heroic witness or persecution?

In moments of glory, grant me gratitude. In moments of challenge and trials, grant me courage, O Lord. Amen.