Wednesday of the 3rd Week of Easter
Acts 8:1-8
Jn 6:35-40
“…whoever sees the Son and believes in him shall have eternal life…”
During the Easter weekend that recently passed, I experienced a revelation of sorts. It felt like I had finally managed to find my way out of a dense fog where I had been trapped for the past few years. Since the time I began my doctoral studies, I had felt constantly overwhelmed, the pressure enhancing my latent anxieties ten-fold and affecting the way that I thought and acted. After my own prolonged ‘Lent’, during which I also struggled with the stresses and insecurities of moving to a country that is very different from home, I have reached a stage where I can say that my old self has returned. This renewal was not something that I willed to happen; I had, in fact, been floundering for a long time, and I can only thank the Lord for this immense grace.
In the first reading for today, there is a mention of Saul, who is still clearly in his persecution phase, determined to stamp out all traces of the flames of evangelistic fervour from Jesus’ followers. He probably caused substantial damage to the fledgling church in those early days, but did an about-turn when he experienced a dramatic conversion of heart and became a great leader of the same group that he had so passionately wanted to destroy. This is perhaps the most vivid illustration of how one should live out the Easter promise, post-resurrection.
In his homily for Easter Sunday this year, Bishop Robert Barron emphasized that from that point on, everything has changed. For the first time in history, death has been conquered and eternal life promised to those who choose to turn away from their old sinful ways and follow Jesus. The joy of this Easter promise is not something to be held within ourselves. When one has committed to the faith, one should also naturally live this faith by sharing the Easter joy with others. How are you living this new life in Christ?
(Today’s OXYGEN by Edith Koh)
Prayer: Dearest Father, we pray for the conclave which starts today. May you send your Holy Spirit upon the cardinals, as they direct their hearts in faith and trust towards the election of a new shepherd of your flock.
Thanksgiving: We remember and give thanks to God, for the times when His grace brought us out of dark and difficult times.
OXYGEN 
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