First Reading: Acts 8: 1b– 8
Psalm 66: 1-3a, 4-5, 6-7a
Gospel: John 6: 35-40
Joy is the theme running through our readings today. So, let us try to reflect on them in order to do our best to embody them in our daily life. After the death of St. Stephen, the early Church faces persecution. Yet, in the face of imprisonment and death, the early Christians rejoice in the Good News as proclaimed by the apostles and disciples. The Spirit is moving the Church outward and causing joy as the church increases in numbers.
The psalm echoes this in the refrain: “Let all the earth cry out to GOD with joy.” Joy is the natural feeling of those who experience the great deeds of our GOD. Joy is different than happiness. Joy is the feeling of knowing one is in touch with GOD.
In the Gospel, Jesus speaks about doing the will of His Father. This is the food which nourishes Jesus, and in turn, he becomes our food which will quench our thirst and end our hungry. Jesus promises to raise up those who believe in His relationship with His
Father; and being raised up is what eternal life is all about.
As we reflect on our lives and the life of other believers, we are continually amazed at the joy which comes to those who seek a relationship with GOD. Joy is a sense of inner peace, of being in proper relationship with God, with others. Even in the midst of the most challenging events in life, a follower of Jesus has a sense of fulfillment and can rejoice in the Lord Jesus.
Our source of life comes from being fed by the Lord Jesus, who is the Bread of Life. We feel lifted up and supported, know that Jesus is raising us up, not just on the last day, but every day. Thus, if we work on developing a deeper relationship with GOD, we will see GOD’s hand at work in our life. Our problems will not be over. We will still have challenges in our lives, but we will sense the joy of the Lord Jesus Who is our strength. We will be able to see beyond the difficulties of the here and now and start living the eternal life which Jesus promises to give us.