Faith In Jesus Is Food For The Journey.
Dear Parishioners,
Have you ever been in a situation where everything seems to be crashing upon you? Hope and strength are replaced with fear and anxiety. Your good efforts and kind deeds are turned against you and unappreciated. Everything appears to be going the wrong way, with bad outcomes. In some cases, thoughts of death and hopelessness seem impossible to shake off. Such was the experience of Prophet Elijah.
Elijah challenged King Ahab and his wife Queen Jezebel and called them to reform their lives. They in turn placed a death warrant on his head. Elijah, tired and discouraged, ran for his safety, wishing to do nothing with his unrepentant people. Overwhelmed with the hostility of the desert and rejection of his people, he pleaded for death to take him. But God sent an angel to strengthen him by providing food and drink. God does not want us to die but to live and be with him. Only God can sustain us against the hostility in our culture.
Like Elijah, we too are on a journey that takes us through the rugged terrain of sinfulness and violence that frequently dominates our society. There are times in our lives when depression and challenges of life threaten our very existence. Now we know that God will always send us help. He never ceases to surprise us with his ever-abiding presence. He is attentive to the needs and desires of humanity. He knows your aches and pains. Every drop of your tears weighs on him too. At the low end of his life, Elijah experienced God when he ate the bread that gave him strength. This mysterious food that sustained the Israelites in the desert is now given to Elijah, and Jesus promises to give to those who have faith in him; the bread which gives life.
There is more to that food, Jesus explained to his audience. He claimed that he is the living bread that came down from heaven. His audience understood him clearly and vehemently opposed him. As the drama unfolds, Jesus answered and said to them, “Stop murmuring among yourselves…I am the living bread that came down from heaven.” Many were not ready for such a revelation. It was too provocative and scandalous for some, while for others it was pure madness. Those who are open to what God is doing see it as refreshing and consoling. On which side are you?
Jesus offers himself to us. Have faith in him both in good times and bad, in sickness and in health; for he does believe in you. This is how deep his love is for us. He gave himself to us completely and without reservation, yet we are doubtful. On the cross he revealed it again. Are you still in doubt of God’s love for you? What will it take to convince you of his love? Therefore, nothing should separate you from him. Jesus is more than a model or spiritual guide; he is the source of life. Without Jesus you cannot know the love of God. The world needs him and so do you. “The bread I will give you is my flesh, for the life of the world.” Jesus gives himself so that life may grow in us. There is no love greater than this.
Sin damages our relationship with God and in grave matters causes a spiritual death to the soul. Now Jesus offers us an antidote to sin. He gave us his body and blood as food. When this food is received in Holy Communion, it gives us grace and strengthens our spiritual life. It protects us from inner decay, preserves us from future death and protects us against the assaults of the Devil. Those unable to receive Holy Communion at this time can make a spiritual communion. Jesus asks you to have faith in him. Faith in Jesus is the food for the journey.
Grace and Peace To You,
Fr. Vitalis Anyanike, Pastor
