Persecution Against Paul And Barnabas

 

Jealousy corrupts faith.

Reflection on Today’s Readings, Saturday of 4th Week of Easter, April 27th, 2024
Texts: Acts 13:44-52; Psalm 98:1-4; John 14:7-14 

Today’s first reading is a background for understanding the gospel reading of today. The Jews believed that following Jesus Christ is to abandon the true faith. We read, “they were filled with jealousy, and contradicted what was spoken by Paul, and reviled him.” We read again, “But the Jews incited the devout women of high standing and the leading men of the city, and stirred up persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and drove them out of their district.

Following Jesus Christ is an aberration for the Jews. Jesus settles the matter, saying, "If you had known me, you would have known my Father also; henceforth you know him and have seen him." The implication of this is that the Jews were not practicing the true faith, the Judaism. If they have been true to the faith they would have accepted Jesus Christ. This is clear as it is reported that they acted out of jealousy.  

Jealousy corrupts faith

We cannot be true to God when jealousy motivates our actions. Jealousy corrupts faith and makes us go astray from God; it blinds us and corrupts our vision of God. Hence, we should always ensure that we do not act out of jealousy whenever we act. Our actions should always come from a place of sincerity, love and truth. Such place is a place of light. If we act from a place of sincerity, love and truth, we become light to the world. We are to be light as God commanded Paul to be. 

God wants us to be light wherever we go for His salvation to reach the uttermost parts of the earth. Being light we are to be like Jesus who says, “The words that I say to you I do not speak on my own authority; but the Father who dwells in me does his works. Believe me that I am in the Father and the Father in me; or else believe me for the sake of the works themselves.” We are to be of one mind with the Lord and He will shine forth in our lives.  

Prayer 

O God, who in the celebration of Easter graciously give to the world the healing of heavenly remedies, show benevolence to your Church, that our present observance may benefit us for eternal life. Amen  

Fr. Andrew Olowomuke