Homily (Reflection) for the Memorial
of Saint Athanasius (2nd May, 2017) on the Gospel and the Memorial
Acts 7:51–8:1;
Ps 30:3-4.6-8.17.21. (R. v. 6);Jn 6:30-35.
Saint Athanasius was born at Alexandria about the year
296 of Christian parents and was educated under the eye of Alexander who later became
his Bishop. He spent some time in the desert with St. Anthony. Athanasius was
ordained a deacon in 319. He assisted his Bishop at the Council of Nicaea in
325, where his influence began to be felt. On Alexander’s death bed, he
recommended St. Athanasius as his successor which paved way to his unanimous
election as Patriarch in 326.
His refusal to tolerate the Arian heresy was the cause
of many trials and persecutions for St. Athanasius. He spent seventeen of the
forty-six years of his episcopate in exile. St. Athanasius died on May 2, 373.[1]
Topic: Perennial crisis.
Today’s gospel is a continuation of that of yesterday. The
people who had more than they wanted are asking Jesus for a sign for them to
believe. Feeding five thousand people with five loaves and two fish was no
sign? It is clearer why Jesus said, “Very truly, I tell you, you are looking
for me, not because you saw a sign, but because you ate your fill of the
loaves” (Jn 6:26).
They even made reference to the manna their ancestors ate in
the wilderness. And Jesus said to them,
Very truly, I tell you, it was not Moses who gave you the
bread from heaven, but it is my Father who gives you the true bread from
heaven. For the bread of God is that which comes down from heaven and gives
life to the world.
Quest for signs and wonders is a serious perennial crisis. The
life of the Israelites especially in the desert is a very good example. In the
Psalm we read, “they had a wanton craving in the wilderness, and put God to the
test in the desert” (Ps 106:14).
There is only one way out of this crisis. And that is Jesus.
He rightly said to them, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will
never be hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.” Saint
Athanasius understood this very. Hence, he followed him with all his being. Unless
one comes to Him and believes in Him, the problem will surely continue.
Bible Reading: Ps 78.
Thought for today: Sign is not synonymous with reality (God).
Let us pray: Lord, help us to understand you
better so as to crave for you alone – Amen.
Saint Athanasius – Pray for us.
You are free to share this reflection with
others if you consider it worthy.
For more
homilies (reflections):
Join our WhatsApp Group via: +234 810 298 6313
To Contact and/or to support this ministry:
Tel: +234 813 305 0302
+234 905 655 4466
May
God bless you all+
Post a Comment
Post a Comment