Daily Readings - Mon Apr 16 2018
Acts
8And Stephen, full of grace and power, was doing great wonders and signs among the people.9Then some of those who belonged to the synagogue of the Freedmen (as it was called), and of the Cyrenians, and of the Alexandrians, and of those from Cilicia and Asia, rose up and disputed with Stephen.10But they could not withstand the wisdom and the Spirit with which he was speaking.11Then they secretly instigated men who said, "We have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses and God."12And they stirred up the people and the elders and the scribes, and they came upon him and seized him and brought him before the council,13and they set up false witnesses who said, "This man never ceases to speak words against this holy place and the law,14for we have heard him say that this Jesus of Nazareth will destroy this place and will change the customs that Moses delivered to us."15And gazing at him, all who sat in the council saw that his face was like the face of an angel.
John
22On the next day the crowd that remained on the other side of the sea saw that there had been only one boat there, and that Jesus had not entered the boat with his disciples, but that his disciples had gone away alone.23Other boats from Tiberias came near the place where they had eaten the bread after the Lord had given thanks.24So when the crowd saw that Jesus was not there, nor his disciples, they themselves got into the boats and went to Capernaum, seeking Jesus.25When they found him on the other side of the sea, they said to him, "Rabbi, when did you come here?"26Jesus answered them, "Truly, truly, I say to you, you are seeking me, not because you saw signs, but because you ate your fill of the loaves.27Do not labor for the food that perishes, but for the food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give to you. For on him God the Father has set his seal."28Then they said to him, "What must we do, to be doing the works of God?"29Jesus answered them, "This is the work of God, that you believe in him whom he has sent."
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter two profound narratives that invite us to reflect on the essence of faith and our relationship with God. The first reading from Acts 6:8-15 introduces us to Stephen, a man filled with grace and fortitude, whose miracles and wisdom stir both admiration and opposition. Despite the false accusations against him, Stephen stands firm, his face radiant like an angel, embodying the peace that comes from unwavering faith. This passage reminds us that living a life of faith can sometimes lead to challenges, but it is in these moments that our true character and commitment to God are revealed.
In the Gospel from John 6:22-29, Jesus addresses a crowd that seeks him not because of his signs, but because he satisfied their physical hunger. Jesus redirects their focus from perishable food to eternal life, emphasizing the importance of believing in him. The crowd's question, "What should we do to labor in the works of God?" is met with a simple yet profound response: "Believe in him whom he sent." This exchange underscores the heart of our faith—trusting in Jesus and seeking spiritual nourishment that transcends the temporal.
These readings intertwine to teach us about standing firm in faith amidst adversity and seeking a deeper spiritual connection. Like Stephen, we are called to remain steadfast, even when faced with opposition, trusting that God's grace will sustain us. Like the crowd in the Gospel, we are invited to move beyond superficial seeking and instead, cultivate a faith that nourishes our souls. May we embrace the challenges of our faith journey with courage and seek the eternal life that only Jesus can offer, remembering that true fulfillment comes from believing in him.