Thursday Of The Fourth Week Of Easter

Acts 13:13-25
Ps 88(89):2,3,21,22,25,27
Jn 13:16-20

CHRIST IS THE EMBODIMENT OF THE FATHER’S LOVE

From a historical standpoint, Paul passionately addressed the excited crowd in the synagogue about the living faith in Jesus Christ, setting their hearts ablaze with the powerful word of God! He masterfully unveils to this diverse audience, a blend of Jews and pagan believers, that Jesus, the Son of David and the Root of Jesse, is the long-awaited Messiah—the one foretold in scripture throughout the ages! He has always existed, the uncreated One who humbly became one of us, an infant in His creation.

Paul boldly proclaims that every book of the law and every prophecy is bursting with references to Jesus! Open the scripture, and you’ll find Him in every nook and cranny of the Bible! He’s the Creator in Genesis, the great deliverer and provider in Exodus! He’s the champion of Israel and the eternal judge in Judges! He’s the ultimate king in the Book of Kings, the king of kings and the Lord of lords! The gospels thunder with His presence, and in the Epistles, He is the embodiment of the Father’s love, the very image of the invisible God, our high priest, and the culmination of divine revelation!

Remember, Jesus declares, “If you have seen me, you have seen the Father!” In moments of uncertainty and struggle, when we feel trapped and burdened, we often cry out, “Why this? Why that? Why does God allow pain to touch His faithful children?” But here’s the truth—Jesus, the all-powerful God, stepped into our world and became like us, even enduring the cross! By His stripes, we are healed!

He took on our suffering, and our pain, and became an outcast and a curse to set us free! With the power of the Father, He triumphed over death, rising from the grave, ensuring our salvation and justification through faith in Him!

Yet, some Jews resisted the truth of Paul’s message because they clung tightly to their religious rituals and works. But guess what? The excitement only grew—the crowd swelled, and many found belief in Jesus! Are you ever envious when God showers blessings on others? Do you distance yourself from joy just because someone else receives a dream role you coveted?

Let’s remember, the Lord of hosts, the King of Glory, reigns supreme! Every believer who passes through the grave will rise to a new life, shining with hope! As we dive into our daily activities today, let’s fervently pursue Jesus with faith, hope, and love, reaching out to grasp the hem of His garment. O Lord, we wait for you! We welcome your presence, believe in your power, and place our trust in you. Remember, you said, “I am the way”—and that way leads us to heaven! Let’s embark on this thrilling journey together!

Fr Joseph Osho