Homily: Fifth Sunday of Easter Year A- 2020
Christ, the Way, the Truth, and the Life
In moments of Pandemic
Fr. Udoekpo Michael Ufok
v Acts
6:1-7
v Ps
33:1-5,18-19
v 1
Pet 2:4-9
v John
14:1-12
Last
Sunday we celebrated Christ the Good Shepherd. Today, the fifth Sunday of Easter,
despite the ongoing health threat caused by Covid-19, we celebrate Christ, who is
the Way, the Truth, and the Life. In some places, like the US, it is the mother’s
day as well. We need a greater understanding of these metaphors or images, just
mentioned as we approach the mysteries of the ascension and Pentecost in the coming
weeks. We need a deeper understanding of these metaphors in this moment of
corona-virus pandemic. We must also take into account these images—way, life, and
truth—as we me make choices in life: the goals we pursue, the manner in which we
endure pain, illness loss of our loved ones, how we love and forgive, how generous
we are to our neighbors, balance our needs, and how faithful we are to Christ and
his church, especially in this time of virtual worshiping.
From
the early church and the spread of Christianity to now, there is nothing we could
accomplish without the gifts of the Holy Spirit and Christ, who is the Way, the
Truth, and the Life. The gifts of the Spirit are important because sometimes the
way of Christ—a way characterized by love, forgiveness, and patience—can be bumpy
and challenging. Challenging in how we can remain prayerful in times of
economic needs or in moment of crisis as was the case in the early church, who
had their own share of challenges.
Consider
the challenging process of the choice of Stephen, Philip, Prochorus, Nicarnor, Timon,
Parmenas, and Nicholas, the seven deacons in today’s first reading. These men were
selected in the midst of the need for the community to balance their needs. They
were selected to serve the poor and the needy not because they were gifted in
the politics of our world or shrewd. Scripture tells us that these men were selected
to cater to the temporal goods of the church because they were filled with the Holy
Spirit. Recall I mentioned few days ago that the entire stories in Acts of the
Apostles could also be called “Acts of the Holy Spirit.” We need the acts and
guidance of the Holy Spirit in this moment of crises- to lead us, the leaders
and the followers, to bring the best out of us to reconsider provision of basic
health care, food, water, education, electricity, road networks infrastructures
to our citizens.
Marking
mother’s day this year must also be challenging to all of us- parents, mothers,
families and children. No matter what we must rely on the gifts of the Holy Spirit
while exploring various ways to be present to our mothers and our loved ones.
St.
Paul in Galatian 5:22 tells us that the fruits of the Holy Spirit are love,
joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control,
and chastity. These are also the characteristics we find in Christ, who is the Way,
Christ-like values that we must follow at all times
In
Evengelii Gaudium, Pope Francis elaborates on the importance of these fruits,
and values especially as we spread the Gospel to people who are poor and marginalized.
The spreading of the Gospel must be done with humility, patience, endurance and
joy in spite of the uncertainties and challenges associated with following Christ.
This
moment of Covid-19 is challenging for everyone. As Thomas and Philip would have
asked Jesus today for the way and the knowledge of the Father, let us pray at this
Mass for the grace to recognize that we are a holy nation, a people set apart to
praise and worship God (1 Pet 2:4-9), love him, and follow his ways, to participate
in the common priesthood of sharing Christ’s values in spite of the challenges
we face today.
And
may the mercy of God be upon us (Ps 33:22) in this difficult time, so that as we
travel the way—be it a highway, a narrow avenue, or a bumpy or smooth street—we
may always pattern our choices, our opinions, and our lifestyle after the example
of Christ, who is the ideal Way, Truth, and Life (John 14:1-12).
Reflection Questions
1.
How often do you see Christ as your way, especially in this moment of Covid-19
pandemic?
2.
In what manners have you shown the blind and ignorant of your community the way
to the Lord?
3.
Are there moments you may have mislead others in matters of faith?
4. I what ways are we actively present to our Mothers and parents?
