Daily Catholic Lectio
Wed, 17 April 2024
Third Week of Easter – Wednesday
Acts 8:1-8. John 6:25-40
Mission and presence
The discourse on ‘bread of life’ continues in the gospel reading. Jesus reveals to them the relationship between him and his father: (a) The Father has entrusted a people to Jesus; a few people are predestined for eternal life; (b) Jesus fulfils the will of the Father; and (c) The Father’s will is that everyone be saved.
Jesus’ ministry or mission is that he ensures everyone’s redemption. The expression ‘eternal life’ could be understood as ‘life in fulness’ or ‘life after life.’
In today’s gospel reading, Jesus clarifies his relationship with Jesus through the expressions ‘being sent,’ and ‘father.’ The expression ‘being sent’ implies that Jesus has a ministry or mission to fulfil; the expression ‘father’ explains how Jesus feels the presence of God with him.
‘Being sent’, ‘father’ – these are the life lessons for us.
Everyone who comes to this world is being sent by God. Since he sent us, he has prescribed work for us. Through this work, we become fully human. God is present to us as our Father.
In the first reading, we read about the ministry of the Deacon Philip, who works wonders through the presence of God with him.
The reading begins with a negative note that the persecution was severe, but ends with a very positive note: ‘there was a great joy in the city.’ The people were scattered. Their dispersal, which was a problem, turned out to be an opportunity.
Those who know about their mission on earth and those who feel the presence of God with them will transform every problem into an opportunity. This maturity is the ‘eternal life’ that one enjoys in ‘life before death.’
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“Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the Lord” (Ps 31:24). (Jubilee A. D. 2025, bite 74)
Fr. Yesu Karunanidhi
Archdiocese of Madurai
Missionary of Mercy
Yesu Karunanidhi 
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