Saturday of the Third Week of Easter (St Athanasius, Bishop, Doctor). Reflection by Rev Fr Oselumhense Anetor (Uromi Diocese)
Acts 9:31-42; John 6:60-69
The first reading today is filled with instances of manifestations of the power of the Holy Spirit. Aeneas, a paralytic who had been bedridden for eight years, gets up and begins to move around. Tabitha (also Dorcas) who never tired of doing good, is raised up to life from death. Here’s the Spirit at work in the Apostles because they lived in the fear of the Lord, and believed in the power of his resurrection.
What about Bishop Athanasius? He underwent many sufferings and was in exile for a total of 17 years. Why? Because he condemned Arianism; the teaching that Jesus Christ is not God since he was created by the Father. Athanasius was accused of treason and murder, embezzlement and sacrilege, even by his fellow men of God. Friends, the opposition might be strong and ‘evilish’, but we must draw strength from the example of the Apostles and Athanasius. Only by teaching and living the truth can we have eternal life.
Good morning dear. Happy Weekend. St Athanasius, pray for us.
