Wednesday of the Third Week of Easter
(Acts 8:1b-8; John 6:35-40)
Volodymyr Zelenskyy,
the president of Ukraine, may have had a small place in history if Russia had
not invaded his country. But it seems
now that he will be remembered as a courageous defender of freedom whether or
not the Ukrainians defeat the Russians.
Zelenskyy has refused to back down to the mighty Russian forces. He has successfully appealed to the world for
solidarity in the cause of national sovereignty. There is a parallel here with what takes
place in today’s first reading.
The Greek-speaking Jewish Christians have been expelled from
Jerusalem. Stephen’s diatribe against
the temple set off a persecution against them but apparently not against the
Hebrew-speaking church. The oppression
is not so much a threat to Church maintenance as it is a catalyst to its
growth. Powerful preachers like Philip
will win converts, especially among non-Jews like the Samaritans. The Church as a whole is beginning to fulfill
its mission to the world.
Both Zelenskyy and the Greek-speaking Christians should
inspire us to not surrender to defeatism when facing opposition. Rather we should pray to God for courage,
strength, and prudence to fulfill our destiny.
Of course, prayer is often accompanied by action. We should pursue the struggle of justice and
love while protecting our loved ones.
