Sunday 26th April – 4th Sunday of Easter

Reflection: Acts 4:8-12

ARE YOU LOOKED DOWN UPON?

During the teenage age, a typical young person would feel very embarrassed when he is referred to as a child by the parents or any other adult. Sometimes as youth you want to prove this sense of independence and freedom from every form of control. This feeling can be termed as merely natural, because of youthful exuberance.  It always hurts when people look down upon you especially when you present your ideas, dreams or ambitions to someone that you trust. In today’s reading, Jesus is referred to as the ‘stone’ which the builders rejected.

Jesus was indeed a rejected stone during His time on earth. As far as the religious leaders of the Jews were concerned, they had done away with Him and silenced Him forever. But in just a matter of days, He became the ‘cornerstone’. Beloved, it is amazing how God can take what is seemingly worthless or useless in our worldly eyes and make it the best. It is in fact, the work of grace, and not by any work of ‘righteousness’ done by the beneficiary of such miracle. Today, God reminds you that you are not worthless or useless as others might think you are, or that you think yourself to be. Never look down upon yourself! You are of great value to God and to humanity. Go humbly before Him today with absolute trust and ask Him to re-shape your life for good.

PRAYER: Thank you Father for reminding me that you have a purpose for my life, please fill me with the grace of fortitude. Amen.

KNOW YOUR FAITH: CCC 1808: “Fortitude is the moral virtue that ensures firmness in difficulties and constancy in the pursuit of the good… (it) enables one to conquer fear, even fear of death.”

HIDE A TREASURE: “May Your constant love be with us Lord as we put our hope in You” Psalm 33:22 GNB

Today’s Readings: Acts 4: 8-12; Ps 11:1, 8-9, 21-29; 1 Jn 3:1-2; Jn 10:11-18