Homily: Fifth Sunday of Easter (A)
Acts 6:1–7; 1 Peter 2:4–9; John 14:1–12
3 May 2026
Fr. Ricky Cañet Montañez, AA
“Growing pains.” Have you heard this expression? Usually, it refers to the aches in the joints of children who are going through sudden growth spurts. We also use it to describe the difficulties experienced by organisations that are rapidly expanding. Of course, misunderstandings arise, resistance happens, and new problems begin to surface.
The First Reading today is an example of this truth. The first serious problem in the early Church did not come from persecution—it came from growth. “The number of disciples was increasing” (Acts 6:1), and in that moment, a complaint arose: the Hellenists complained against the Hebrews because their widows were being neglected in the daily distribution of food. Does this situation sound familiar to you? It feels like a parish meeting or even a family conversation: “Father, it seems like we are not being treated equally.” “Dad, Mom, you are favouring your favourite again!” Isn’t that so?
The growth of the Church stretched the community—and that stretching created tension. The apostles did not ignore the issue, and they did not panic either. They listened, they prayed, and they responded concretely. They reorganised the ministry and delegated responsibility so that no one would feel neglected. And what happened next is very telling: “The word of God continued to spread, and the number of the disciples increased greatly” (Acts 6:7). The conflict did not destroy the Church; in fact, it opened the door for deeper growth. Having problems was not a sign of failure; it was simply part of the mission.
This speaks directly to our own lives. In the parish, in ministry, in family life, there are moments of tension—misunderstandings, unmet expectations, even silent treatment. The usual instinct is to conclude that something is wrong with the group or the organisation. However, it may also be true that something is simply evolving. A family that begins to speak honestly will sometimes experience friction. A parish that becomes more active will face coordination problems. A person who is deepening in faith will encounter inner struggles. These are not always signs of collapse; many times, they are signs of life.
In the Gospel, Jesus speaks to His disciples when they are already anxious and confused. He does not deny their fear, but He tells them: “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You have faith in God; have faith also in me” (John 14:1). The situation has not yet changed. The uncertainty is still there. Jesus is teaching them—and us—that faith does not remove tension; it teaches us how to stand firm within it. Jesus gives the assurance that in Him, things will work out in the end.
St. Peter gives us another image: “Let yourselves be built into a spiritual house… like living stones” (1 Peter 2:5). Think of stones used in construction—they are shaped, cut, and fitted together. They press against each other so the structure can stand firm. This is not an easy process. There is pressure, there is friction. No house is formed without that. In the same way, no Christian community grows without moments that challenge its unity. In the process, painful changes can happen so that stronger and better things can be formed.
Hence, when tension appears—whether in our family, in our faith community, or in the workplace—instead of stressing over, “Why is this happening?” we can ask, “What is God shaping here?” After all, God never desires our destruction but our ultimate good. Therefore, let us not be fearful. Avoiding all conflict often means missing opportunities for growth.
A family that never talks about problems may look peaceful—but nothing is resolved, so the situation never really improves. A ministry that avoids feedback may remain comfortable—but it does not bear as much fruit. A person who runs from struggles may feel secure —but will never truly mature. The early Church shows us a better way. They faced the issue, they listened to those who felt neglected, and they made concrete changes. Thus, “the word of God continued to spread” (Acts 6:7).
Brothers and sisters, not every conflict comes from something evil. Some conflicts are invitations from God—opportunities to grow, to listen more deeply, and to love more concretely. Therefore, the next time tension arises—in the family, in ministry, or even within our own heart—let us pause and ask: “Is God doing something here?” It may be that the very place that feels uncomfortable right now is the very place where God is quietly building something new.
Sunday Gospel Reflections 