Daily Readings - Wed May 08 2019
Acts
1And Saul approved of his execution.And there arose on that day a great persecution against the church in Jerusalem, and they were all scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles.2Devout men buried Stephen and made great lamentation over him.3But Saul was ravaging the church, and entering house after house, he dragged off men and women and committed them to prison.4Now those who were scattered went about preaching the word.5Philip went down to the city of Samaria and proclaimed to them the Christ.6And the crowds with one accord paid attention to what was being said by Philip when they heard him and saw the signs that he did.7For unclean spirits came out of many who were possessed, crying with a loud voice, and many who were paralyzed or lame were healed.8So there was much joy in that city.
John
35Jesus said to them, "I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst.36But I said to you that you have seen me and yet do not believe.37All that the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never cast out.38For I have come down from heaven, not to do my own will but the will of him who sent me.39And this is the will of him who sent me, that I should lose nothing of all that he has given me, but raise it up on the last day.40For this is the will of my Father, that everyone who looks on the Son and believes in him should have eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day."
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter two powerful narratives that illuminate the journey of faith and the divine plan. The first reading from Acts describes a time of great turmoil for the early Church, as persecution forces believers to scatter. Yet, amidst this dispersion, the Gospel spreads as Philip preaches in Samaria, performing miracles and drawing many to Christ. This passage reveals how adversity can become an unexpected catalyst for growth and outreach.
The Gospel from John presents Jesus as the Bread of Life, emphasizing His role as the source of eternal nourishment. Jesus assures us that those who come to Him will never hunger or thirst, and that the Father's will is that all who believe in Him will have eternal life. This teaching underscores the importance of trust and faith in God's providence, even when circumstances seem uncertain.
Together, these readings remind us that our challenges, though daunting, are part of a larger divine plan. Like the early Christians, we are called to trust in God's guidance and to share the Good News in our own contexts. Let us embrace our faith actively, spreading love and hope, and trusting that God's will prevails, leading us to eternal life.