Keeping the Faith

April 19, Wednesday of the Second Week of Easter
Readings: Acts 5:17-26; John 3:16-21

The crucifixion of Jesus did not stop people from becoming Christians. As mentioned in yesterday’s reflection, the apostles went places to preach the Gospel; wherever they went, people listened and even supported their needs.
 
In the first reading, the apostles were caught and jailed. However, God sent an angel to unlock the gates of the prison. They returned to preaching and used their story of salvation to make people believe. This happens when we remain faithful to our mission despite the difficulties. As mentioned in today’s responsorial psalm, “the Lord hears the cry of the poor." Not just the poor, who are financially incapable, but also those in need of His help. God always keeps his promises. He may not fulfill them today, tomorrow, or next week, but He WILL.
 
A young man in a parish was assigned to head the Food Committee for a youth gathering. But he was worried that there would not be enough food and the facilitators would have to give way to the attendees because there needed to be more funding for the meals. One of the elders in the parish told him to calm down because God would find a way; He would do the rest. To our surprise, everyone could eat, including the priests and some visitors.
 
Sometimes we prefer to worry, panic, or choose to go to the “dark side” when things go awry. When we feel that God is not listening or that He is far away from us, we tend to turn our backs on Him and do things “our way.” Today's gospel says, "God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through him.” What is it that we still want God to do for us? He already gave us His Son!
 
It is not easy to live a life that is pleasing to God. People tend to break their promises. But God will always keep His promises, no matter how impossible they may seem.