Dear brothers and sisters, “This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it” (Psalm 118:24).
Following in the Footsteps of Jesus Christ
The opening prayer (collect) of today’s liturgy reads in part, “Grant, we pray, almighty God, that putting off our old self with all its ways, we may live as Christ did.” The first reading presents us with the story of Stephen, the conspiracy and the accusations levelled against him. Stephen was a man filled with grace and power and the Holy Spirit. He was one of the seven deacons chosen by the apostles to help in the equitable distribution of food to the new community of believers. Filled with the Holy Spirit, Stephen debated with the people and instructed them on the truth of the salvation history, the mission of the righteous one, Jesus Christ, and the stubborn and obstinate attitude of his listeners, the Jews of his time. This did not go down well with them, and they instigated some men to bear false witness against him.
Stephen endured the conspiratory allegations brought against him by the people and put up with their false witnesses and the unjust verdict of the Sanhedrin. He suffered the humiliation, agony and pain of being stoned to death, and became the first Christian martyr. Stephen put off his old self and lived as Christ did. He embraced his martyrdom following in the footsteps of Our Lord Jesus Christ. Stephen’s life is an example of one who did the work of God and had pure intention and a genuine motive for following Christ. What about us?
Food That Perishes
In the Gospel passage of today, Jesus advised the crowd, “Do not work for food that perishes but for the food that endures for eternal life, which the Son of Man will give.” The question is, what does Jesus Christ mean by food that perishes? Food that perishes represents material things, and earthly desires that do not last and that will eventually pass away. It also represents frivolous spectacles that have no enduring value that people yearn and crave for. Jesus gave this advice against the backdrop of the crowds who were looking for Him because they wanted Him to feed them with more loaves (material food) and for them to have their fill.
Jesus knew that the people were not looking for him to listen to more of His teachings. He affirmed that the sign he performed (multiplication of the loaves) did not have a spiritual impact and did not make them grow in their relationship with Him. Thus, they were looking for him for the wrong reason and with the wrong motive. This might be the lot of so many of us who pray and call on God today; those who turn to God only when they need Him to solve their problems. Such individuals pray for different needs, and when they are granted, their spiritual lives are not impacted. Some others search for miracles and signs and are recipients of those but are spiritually lacking in their relationship with God. Jesus Christ’s comment implies that such acts of God should have a spiritual import in the lives of those who receive them.
Not by Bread Alone
Furthermore, Jesus Christ told the crowd to work for food that endures for eternal life. Reminiscent of His teaching that, “One does not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes forth from the mouth of God” (Matt. 4:4). The food that endures for eternal life is the word of God. Or as Jesus Christ calls it, “The works of God.” which was not what the crowds were seeking. It is the work of God to believe in Jesus Christ as the Son of God. The Savior. And the Bread of life. It is also the work of God to do the will of God. Be committed to God, and have a genuine relationship with Him. Just like Jesus Christ who says, “My food is to do the will of the one who sent me and to finish his work.”
What Is Our Motive?
Finally, we ask, is it possible that we are following Jesus Christ for the wrong reasons? What is my motive for following Christ? And, what is your motive for following Christ? What is our motive for following Christ? Have we paused to consider these questions? This might be the right time.
Always remember that Jesus loves you!
I love this message. So after we turn to God in time of needs looking for an immediate response but when we do not get what we ask for what we think we want or need we turn away. It seems so wrong to make demands upon our Savior. Rather we should ask for strength to brave the trials.