The Feast of St Fidelis of Sigmaringen.

Feast of St Fidelis of Sigmaringen, Capuchin Priest and Martyr. 

"Rabbi, when did you get here?” 

"Jesus answered them and said, “Amen, amen, I say to you, you are looking for me not because you saw signs but because you ate the loaves and were filled. Do not work for food that perishes but for the food that endures for eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you. For on him the Father, God, has set his seal.”

"So they said to him, “What can we do to accomplish the works of God?”

"Jesus answered and said to them, “This is the work of God, that you believe in the one he sent.” (John 6: 22.... 29).

Monday 24th April 2023, in the 3rd Week in Easter is the feast of St Fidelis of Sigmaringen (1577 - 1622). Priest and Martyr. 

Fidelis left his Law Practice and became  a Capuchin Franciscan priest. Born in Germany, he achieved fame as Evangelist and Catechist in Switzerland. He died at the hands of a mob while preaching in Switzerland.  Like St Stephen in the first Reading, he worsted the Calvinist heretics in debates. They instigated the mob to martyr him. 

Many people followed Jesus for food. Others with the hope of money, healing and job.  They cared very little for the agenda of Jesus.

Jesus told them: "Man does not live on bread alone. There is life for him in every word that comes from the mouth of God." (Matthew 4: 4).

Jesus expands on this teaching in our key Scripture for today. He says to 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 you. For on him the Father, God, has set his seal.” (John 6: 27).

What are the food that endures for eternal life? Consider faith, hope, charity and the Word of God. No one can purchase faith, hope and love.

“What can we do to accomplish the works of God?”  Jesus answered and said to them, “This is the work of God, that you believe in the one he sent.”

Jesus gave them an uncomplicated answer: Faith in Jesus whom God sent for the salvation of humanity. Faith is greater than gold and silver. Faith is imperishable.

Do you nurse some hope that this world will fulfill the desires of your heart with regard to health, family, job, money and social and material possessions? Forget it.

Repeat with Peter in deep faith: “Master, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.  We have come to believe and are convinced that you are the Holy One of God.”

Daily Bible Verse @ SeekFirstcommunity.com