Overcoming Opposition and Embracing God's Plan
April 12, 2024 - Friday of the Second Week of Easter
Acts 5:34-42; Psalm 27:1, 4, 13-14; Jn 6:1-15
the biblical readings focus on a common theme captured by Gamaliel's statement regarding fighting against God (see Acts 5:39). In all three passages, there is a depiction of opposition to God's authority. In Acts 5, the religious authorities oppose the apostles' preaching and seek to suppress their message. In John 6, the people attempt to make Jesus king by force, and Psalm 27 reflects the challenges and adversaries faced by the psalmist.
Simultaneously, we realize that it is futile to oppose God's will. The disciples did not fear the threats of the Jewish religious authorities but rejoiced in their sufferings for the sake of Christ and continued to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Jesus withdrew from the crowd's attempts and did not allow them to make Him a king according to their ideas. He would not save the world by violence fighting the Roman occupation but by sacrificing His life for the world on the most cruel instrument of torture in the Roman Empire - the cross. Finally, the psalmist has no fear of his enemies because he places his trust in the saving power of the Lord who would not leave him in the hands of his enemies (Psalm 27:9, 12).
The opposition to God's will rooted in the lack of trust is also evident in the handling of the food crisis by the apostles in the Gospel. In the Gospel of Mark, they suggested that Jesus should send the crowds away so they could buy food for themselves (see Mark 6:36). Being unable to consider the possibility of a miracle reveals how much they still had to learn about Jesus. The way they thought about solving the problem evidences how our way of thinking is different from God's way of thinking.
By submitting to Jesus, by accepting His authority, the apostles show us the way to follow. The Psalmist states: 'The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear?' (Psalm 27:1). It is an expression of trust that we need to learn. If the Lord can take two small salty fish and five barley loaves of bread from a little boy and use it to feed an army of five thousand men then nothing is impossible for Him. And His divine power and authority ultimately shine on Easter morning when the risen Christ came out of the tomb and removed fear of death from the apostles' hearts.
The biblical readings today reveal a common theme of opposition to God's authority, highlighting the importance of trusting in His will. Just as the apostles accepted Jesus' authority and the psalmist trusted in the Lord's saving power, we too can find peace by relinquishing our own ways of thinking and instead embracing God's divine plan. May we all find strength in surrendering to His will, trusting in His divine protection and guidance that lead us to the fullness of life.