Throughout the world, to one degree or another, Christians are under persecution. For some, it is severe, as in the days of Philip in today’s reading; just look at stories from China, parts of Africa, India, and the Middle East. For others, persecution occurs through the laws or policies enacted by the government, private entities, schools, or societal groups.
The question is, how do we respond? Well, in the case of severe persecution in Jerusalem, some needed to flee to safety, and it was to these that Philip went to serve in the name of Jesus.
Did you notice that those who fled didn’t abandon their faith, but preached the message of Jesus in their new home of Samaria?
Philip went to bolster the faith of these new Christians, to rid people of unclean spirits, and to heal the lame and paralyzed. The result was great joy in that city. Through the message and power of Jesus’ name, people were set free of evil, and others were restored to full physical ability.
Anyone who has ever seen a person struggle with sinful behavior knows the tremendous suffering not just for the person but for their loved ones and even their community. Likewise, if you’ve ever known a person who is paralyzed, or even partially limited in their use of their arms or legs, you can’t help but imagine the burden they carry.
Now, imagine the joy, the sense of hope and belief in a God who heals our greatest injuries, whether to the soul or the body … that’s what the people of Samaria experienced.
For me, the message is that when we are persecuted, even needing to move on from a relationship or group because of our faith in Jesus, God will provide us with an opportunity to share His healing Word with others. And this will lead to joy.
It doesn’t always feel like this will be the outcome when we’re in the middle of a spiritual battle … when it seems as if things have changed so much that it is hopeless; but this is when we need to embrace the words of Jesus in the Gospel, where He says, “I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me will never hunger and whoever believes in me will never thirst.”
It is through believing in Jesus’ promise of nourishment of mind, body, and soul that we are able to persevere in standing with Jesus so that others can know and love Him too.
Though not everyone who prays will be fully healed of physical or emotional problems on earth, we believe that God will provide every one of us with the strength we need to find meaning and love and to grow in holiness and virtue. For God brings good out of our greatest trials and strengthens our faith, which leads to a deeper bond of love with Him and with those who place their trust in the promise of eternal life in Heaven.
Nourished by Jesus, we persevere, finding joy even in times of trial.
Reverend David S. Marcham is the Vice Postulator for the Cause of Venerable Patrick Peyton, and Director of the Father Peyton Guild, whose members pray for Father Peyton’s beatification and spread his message of the importance of Family Prayer. Prior to becoming a seminarian, Father David was a physical therapist and clinical instructor, serving hospital inpatients and outpatients throughout the greater Boston area for eleven years. In 1998 he heard the call to priesthood and was ordained in the Archdiocese of Boston in 2005. Father David grew up in Quincy, MA, and has fond memories of playing soccer, tennis and running track. You’re never without a friend when Father David is around, as he welcomes everyone into his circle with a smile on his face!
