Homily: April 28, 2026, Tuesday of the Fourth Week of Easter (Simple Faith )

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 “How long are you going to keep us in suspense? If you are the Christ, tell us plainly.”

There is a famous English comedian, Rowan Atkinson, who is well known for his act as Mr. Bean. He once shared that sometimes people went up to him to comment that he looked like Mr. Bean. To which he would respond, “I am Mr. Bean.” But they would insist, “No, no, you just look like him!”

It sounds funny but this is exactly what is happening in today’s Gospel.

The people asked Jesus, “Tell us plainly, are you the Christ?”

They had seen His works and heard His profound teaching. There had never been anyone like Him. No one had performed the miracles He performed. No one had fulfilled the prophecies from old, only He did. Everything pointed to Him as the long-awaited Messiah.

Those who knew the Scriptures should have recognized Him easily. Then why were they still asking?

Simple answer. They were in denial.

They knew, but they refused to acknowledge it. They probably thought they were too intelligent to believe anyone so easily. Their pride made simple faith impossible.

Interestingly, the ordinary folks, those who were not scholars of Scripture, recognized and acknowledged Him readily.

They saw His love and compassion in action. They experienced His authority and power over things no one else could control. And they believed.

They did not require extensive explanations. They did not need clever arguments. They accepted and believed.

God, in His great love, lowered Himself to become approachable, reachable and touchable. Yet some people considered themselves too high-level to appreciate this lowliness from God.

What they expected is sometimes what we expect also: “Lord, show me clear signs, prove to me, make it obvious…”

But Jesus has already revealed Himself. The problem is not a lack of signs; it is a lack of faith. The solution is not more proof; it is less pride.

So, the truth is simple. Don’t complicate it. Don’t overthink.

God sent. He came. Let us accept, believe and give thanks.

Amen.


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