Reading and meditation on the Word of God on Wednesday of the third week of Easter, April 22nd, 2026

Delivered by Vina Kuesal from the Holy Trinity Parish in the Archdiocese of Melbourne, Australia. Acts of the Apostles 8: 1b-8; Rs psalm 66: 1-3a.4-5.6-7a; John 6: 35-40.LISTEN TO THE CHOSEN PEOPLE The theme for our meditation today is: Listen to theChosen People. There is an anecdote that says about when the disciples andapostles were sent for the mission of preaching the gospel throughout theworld, the risen Christ gave them a message that goes like this, "You areall men, as you are sent out, you are not accompanied by women, but don't worryabout that. Wherever you are there are always women who assist you in variousneeds of the work for the Church." Although this is just an anecdote, butin reality the truth reveals what Jesus had said. The facts prove to us that in all Church's servicesand undertakings, women play a very important role. In addition to the examplesin the scripture passages, in the history of the Church there are also factsthat show how the involvement of women were so vital for the growing andsuccess of the mission of the Church. We can mention here the person of SaintCatherine of Siena. She was a reliable adviser to the Pope Gregory VII. Whenthe Holy Father was being exiled in Avignon (Spain), she influenced him to returnto the Vatican, in Rome. That happened in 1370. From the Virgin Mary, SaintJoseph, the apostles and to the many saints like Catherine of Siena, they areall the chosen and trusted people we need to listen to and follow their goodexamples. We are obliged to follow and listen to them, becausethey interpreted teachings of Christ correctly and put them into practice.Jesus Christ Himself left His teachings to His witnesses, and the Church alwayspresents them as true models for her members. Their examples of life will notgo away along with the passing of time. They give us examples to live in thislife with Christian virtues, teachings of faith and moral, and holiness whichis the best gift from the Lord. And so, refusing to listen to the Church orspecifically her chosen men and women, is against Christ himself. Theconsequence of punishment will follow afterward. One important lesson for us today is that theteachings of faith that enrich our knowledge and practice of Christian lifehave reached all corners of the earth and planted in the hearts of everybeliever, thanks to the work of the apostles and servants of the Church whohave dedicated and sacrificed their lives for the Gospel. The point is thatthis spiritual wealth should be for us the power to renew our commitment asChristians and to sustain us when difficulties or dangers come to threaten us.Jesus is the bread of life who is our food. We live and bear fruits of love andfaith because He keeps giving us gifts and blessings of His Spirit. Is not that the one who uses effectively this wealth,who keeps enriching oneself with adequate knowledge  of God and is always ready to preach thetruth of faith to others, is the one considered a chosen man or woman whodeserves to be listened to? That person could be you.Let'spray. In the name of the Father ... O Lord Jesus Christ, speak to us and blessus, so that we may acquire new energy and strength, especially in moments oftrouble and hardship. Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit... In the name of the Father ...