FOURTH SUNDAY OF EASTER, YR A
Acts 2:14a, 36-41; Psalm 23;
1 Peter 2:20b-25; John 10:1-10
SUFFER FOR DOING WHAT IS GOOD
In our reading from the letter of Peter, there is a very difficult proposal for Christians today; we should do good always in imitating Jesus even when it brings us suffering. Last week, we spoke about our distinctiveness as Christians and today’s reflection shows us how this distinctiveness can be shown and lived.
To fully understand the context of the letter it must be noted that the Christians at the time would be accused of being a nuisance and charged with disruptive behaviour. To be a Christian was to indulge in an unacceptable lifestyle and would be seen to be in a socially unacceptable life.
In fact, any Christian today who decides to take his faith seriously, live holy and according to the commandments of God would be seen to be disruptive of the peace of some people society. The very Christian call is a respond to stand against injustice and moral corruption in the society by our very way of life.
This will inevitably lead to persecution in one form or another. In spite of this Peter assures us “if you suffer for what is good, this is grace before God”. In deed the apostle identifies this capacity as the working of grace in our lives. May the grace and power of the Holy Spirit always animate our actions so that with courage we live out our Christian values. Further more the ability to bear suffering is also the working of the grace of God in our lives. May God grant us the grace to be able to bear suffering on account of the gospel. In doing this we share in that joy of the apostles who were also overjoyed to have suffered on account of the name of Jesus (Acts 5:41). In this way, suffering then bears for our souls some spiritual benefits.
When the Lord’s grace accompanies us, we would be able to bear the suffering and pain that comes with the obligations of the Christian life. it must however be noted that Peter is talking about the suffering that comes to us when we opt for what is good and righteous. Not suffering that is a consequence of our evil actions and bad choices.
In all this Peter presents Jesus as an example t follow; Jesus gave himself up unto death for our sake even when we did not deserve it. He willingly bore the suffering of the cross and crucifixion. We too are called to unreservedly submit ourselves to the Lord in whatever he has called us to do without counting the cost, because he himself is our reward.
Like the Lord we should refrain from seeking to retaliate for the evils we suffer because the Lord is our strength and comfort. We should learn to give it all up in prayer to the Lord. Our suffering then can become the content or matter of prayer. Jesus himself offered to the Lord the burdens and pain of his vocation. We are encouraged to imitate him in this regard.
We not forget that Jesus is the shepherd of our souls. In moments of discouragement, we look up to him for help. And we can be sure that the good shepherd will not abandon us. he will not leave us to be swallowed up in our pain and suffering. He will surely refresh our souls and lead us along the banks of rivers that never dry. With Jesus the ever present and unending grace of God is available to us.
May we not be afraid to be truly Christian in a world that is gradually becoming hostile to God. God will see us through it all. He will save us and fill us with joy.
God bless you.
