REFLECTIONS TODAY
The people cannot grasp the meaning of Jesus’ miracle in feeding the multitude because of their overly materialistic concern. Here they are after food which Jesus can give; they expect another multiplication of bread. He tries to raise their thoughts to a higher level by telling them to look beyond the superficial material level of food and to work for food that endures to eternal life. They ask what they should do, thinking that by themselves they can do the “work of God.” Jesus tells them to believe in him. Faith in him will lead them to God. Yet believing in Jesus is not so much depending on their effort as submitting to God who accomplishes his work through Jesus. No one can come to Jesus unless the Father draws him (Jn 6:44). Faith is, first of all, a matter of grace.
FIRST READING • Acts 11:19-26
Those who had been scattered by the persecution that arose because of Stephen went as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch, preaching the word to no one but Jews. There were some Cypriots and Cyrenians among them, however, who came to Antioch and began to speak to the Greeks as well, proclaiming the Lord Jesus. The hand of the Lord was with them and a great number who believed turned to the Lord. The news about them reached the ears of the Church in Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas to go to Antioch. When he arrived and saw the grace of God, he rejoiced and encouraged them all to remain faithful to the Lord in firmness of heart, for he was a good man, filled with the Holy Spirit and faith. And a large number of people was added to the Lord. Then he went to Tarsus to look for Saul, and when he had found him he brought him to Antioch. For a whole year they met with the Church and taught a large number of people, and it was in Antioch that the disciples were first called Christians.
Source: “365 Days with the Lord 2022,” St. Pauls, 7708 St. Paul Rd., SAV, Makati City (Phils.); Tel.: 632-895-9701; Fax 632-895-7328; E-mail: [email protected]; Website: http://www.stpauls.ph.