It Is The Spirit That Gives Life

 

All things are possible for God.

Reflection on Today’s Readings, Saturday of 3rd Week of Easter, Year B, April 20th, 2024
Texts: Acts 9:31-42; Psalm 116:12-17; John 6:60-69 

The discourse on the Eucharist is still on today.  The Eucharist is not source of life because it is the flesh. It is a source of life because Jesus is present in it in His divinity. Hence, Jesus responds to those who murmur thus: “Do you take offence at this? Then what if you were to see the Son of man ascending where he was before? It is the spirit that gives life, the flesh is of no avail; the words that I have spoken to you are spirit and life.” 

A disregard to the Eucharist is as result of lack of faith in Jesus’ divinity. This is clear in the words: “But there are some of you that do not believe.” Faith in Jesus as God makes it possible that His flesh could give life. This is because all things are possible for God. Hence, He says, “This is why I told you that no one can come to me unless it is granted him by the Father." 

The need to live in peace

Today’s first reading reminds us of the need to live in peace, walking in the fear of the Lord and the comfort of the Holy Spirit. This is because in such state we are built up and multiplied. We read, “The Church throughout all Judea and Galilee and Samaria had peace and was built up; and walking in the fear of the  Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit it was multiplied.”  

The first reading also reminds us to leave behind good legacy. We learn this from the life of Dorcas. We read, “Now there was at Joppa a disciple named Tabitha, which means Dorcas or Gazelle. She was full of good works and acts of charity. In those days she fell sick and died”. We read again, “All the widows stood beside him weeping, and showing coats and garments which Dorcas made while she was with them.”  

Prayer  

O God, who in the font of Baptism have made new those who believe in you, keep safe those reborn in Christ, that, defeating every onslaught of error, they may faithfully preserve the grace of your blessing. Amen  

Fr. Andrew Olowomuke