Tuesday of 4th Week of Easter: Reflection

Theme: A CHALLENGE TO ALL CHRISTIANS

Reading: Acts 11:19–26

Dear friends, today’s first reading throws a big challenge to all Christians. What could this challenge be? Let us find out.

The disciples of Jesus made their way into Antioch and started doing what they were best known for: spreading the good news of Christ’s resurrection, calling people to repentance, and leading a life marked by love, communal sharing, peace, and harmony. Everyone who came into contact with them admired how they handled their affairs. The residents of Antioch, their host city, couldn’t help but admire this wonderful group, and they exclaimed that they must be Christians — the followers of Christ.

Now, the question or, rather, challenge for the Christians of the present world is: can someone look at you and identify you as a Christian based on how you speak, work, act and the principles you uphold? If this is not possible, then, you need to retrace your steps to rediscover what it really means to be a Christian.

Secondly, can someone look at how our Christian groups or communities conduct themselves: how they treat their members, aid those in need, settle their differences, organize their activities, and so on, and say that our Christian communities are indeed communities influenced by Christ? If this is not possible, then, we have missed the mark. Let us, therefore, take a deep breath and examine ourselves.

May the angels of God march before you as you step out for the business of this Tuesday. Amen

Fr Isaac Chima