💖 HOMILY - MAY 10 💖

First Reading - Acts 9:31-42

Gospel - John 6:60-69

Faith is not a fixed point we arrive at once and for all—it is a journey. A journey that requires nurturing, guidance, and perseverance. If left unattended, it can falter and drift away from God. But if it is cared for and rooted in Christ, it will flourish. Today’s readings invite us to strengthen our journey of faith by staying close to Jesus, especially when his ways seem mysterious or difficult to grasp.

In the first reading, we witness the Church growing and expanding under the power of the risen Christ. Peter becomes the visible sign of Christ’s presence, healing Aeneas and raising Dorcas from the dead—not by his own strength, but in the powerful name of Jesus. These miracles are not mere wonders; they are signs pointing to the truth of the Gospel. Through these signs, many come to believe, and the faith begins to spread beyond Jerusalem into Judea, Galilee, and Samaria. This growth is not a human achievement—it is guided by the Holy Spirit and rooted in the living faith of those who have encountered the risen Christ.

In contrast, the Gospel reveals a sobering moment when faith is tested. Jesus proclaims the necessity of eating his Flesh and drinking his Blood—a teaching that scandalizes many of his listeners. Even some of his disciples murmur and fall away. Jesus, however, does not soften the message. Instead, he invites deeper trust. He speaks of his Ascension, reminding them that the words he has spoken are Spirit and Life. True faith, as the Church teaches, is not about grasping everything with reason. It is a supernatural act—believing what God has revealed, not because we fully understand, but because we trust the One who speaks and know that He neither deceives nor is deceived.

Yet in this moment of confusion and doubt, the Apostles remain. Peter speaks for all when he says: “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life, and we believe.” This is the faith that holds firm—not because it sees everything clearly, but because it knows Who to trust.

Dear friends, our journey of faith will not always be easy. There will be teachings we struggle to understand. There will be seasons of doubt, dryness, or even scandal. But like the early believers who saw signs and believed, and like the Apostles who clung to Jesus even when confused, we are called to remain with Christ. Faith is not about having all the answers. It is about continuing to walk with Jesus even when the road is unclear.

There is a mystery in the Eucharist. Jesus gives himself to us under the appearance of bread and wine. We may not fully comprehend this, but we believe because he has said it. And in receiving him, our faith is nourished and our journey is sustained.

Let us pray, then, for the grace to walk with Jesus in faith. Not a faith that demands constant proofs, but a faith that rests in trust—a faith that says, “Lord, to whom shall we go?” May the Spirit of the Lord increase our faith and keep us close to Christ every step of the way.