3rd Week of Easter : Monday 5th May 2025

In the Acts of the Apostles, the mention of Jesus of Nazareth by Stephen somehow provoked the group of people who claimed to be members of the Synagogue of Freedmen, which suggests that they could have been slaves before. They resorted to putting false witnesses to accuse Stephen of blasphemy. It portrayed their rigid and ignorant attitude to God’s work. The law became their liberating authority, not Jesus.

After having fed thousands, Jesus walked on water to cross to the other side. He declared openly to the crowd that they had come for the wrong intention. Jesus emphasised the importance of believing in Him, the one whom God had sent. Not for miracles and food to fill their bellies. What is truly liberating is not the food that keeps people, enslaving them, but the strength of our belief and faith in Christ. We need to set our hearts on horizons beyond immediate needs, while we manage the basic needs of the here and now. For indeed, food and drink are essential to human life. Without both, we would not be able to continue living our earthly lives.

However, the Christian calling points to a life beyond this world. In this life, after our earthly death, what then is the food that endures for eternal life? Jesus reminds us “Do not work for food that perishes but for the food that endures for eternal life.” Believe in Him.

Lord, we are always challenged. Give us endurance to freely and generously serve the needy and the neglected.