In the face of Burning Persecution, Will You Carry on?
The scriptures tells us about a Pharisee named Gamali-el, a teacher of the law, held in honour by all the people, who stood up and ordered the apostles to be put outside for a while. He discussed with his people and said, "Men of Israel, take care of what you do with these men. He gave an account of those who have risen in the past (Theudas, Judas the Galilean) who gained followers and at the end were slained and all who followed them dispersed and came to nothing.
He proved a point that, they should keep away from the apostles, for if this plan or undertaking is of men, it will fail; but if it is of God, you will not be able to overthrow them. After which the apostles were beaten, and charged not to speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go.
They left rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer dishonour for the name. But they never ceased teaching, preaching Jesus as the Christ.
Acts 5:34-42
You will see the Lord's goodness 'If'...
There is one thing I ask of the Lord, to live in the house of the Lord.
The Lord is my light and my salvation; Whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life; whom shall I dread?
There is one thing I ask of the Lord, only this do I seek: to live in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze on the beauty of the Lord, to inquire at his temple.
I believe I shall see the Lord's goodness in the land of the living. Wait for the Lord; be strong; be stouthearted, and wait for the Lord!
He Fed them All (There was a Test)
Jesus also demonstrated as a Man that makes things happen, He went to the other side of Galilee, which is the Sea of Tiberias. A multitude followed him, because they saw the signs which he did on those who were diseased.
The Passover, that happened to be the feast of the Jews, was at hand, looking at the crowd approaching him, he tested Philip, "How are we to by bread, so that there people may eat?, this was to test him, for he himself knew what he would do...
It was Andrew that spotted a lad who had with him five barley loaves and two fish; after which Christ told them to make the people sit down, he gave thanks, he distributed them to those who were seated. After that, they gathered crumbs full of twelve baskets. When the people saw the sign which he had done, they said,
This is indeed the prophet who is to come into the world!"
What all these Meant to us as the Sons and Daughters of God
The multiplication of bread and fish is a preparation for the gift which God gives in Christ at the Eucharistic banquet. The Paschal feast is near; the atmosphere is one of expectation, wonder and peace. The people had come a long way to listen to Jesus; they needed rest and food. All the suffering, pain and anguish of our life's journey seem to disappear in the serene presence and peace of Christ. He knows what he is going to do. He takes bread and fish, offers them to the Father and gives thanks. Thus nature is brought back to the Creator; human work is referred to God who grants him to do it. Our efforts and our fatigue are offered to the love of God. Our little offering is multiplied and returned to us; our fatigue is lightened. The bread Jesus offers is a sign and guarantee of eternity.