Daily Readings - Wed Apr 29 2020
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 invite us to reflect on faith, persecution, and the universal call to missionary work. The first reading from Acts describes a time of great turmoil for the early Christian community. Following Stephen’s martyrdom, a severe persecution forces the believers to scatter beyond Jerusalem. Yet, even amidst this dispersion, the Gospel spreads as Philip preaches in Samaria, performing miracles and bringing healing to many. This passage reminds us that God’s plan often unfolds in unexpected ways, turning trials into opportunities for growth and evangelization.
The Gospel reading from John presents Jesus as the Bread of Life, emphasizing His role as the ultimate source of spiritual nourishment. Jesus assures us that whoever comes to Him will never hunger or thirst, and that the Father’s will is to draw all people to Him. This passage invites us to deepen our trust in God’s providence and to embrace our role as missionary disciples. Just as Philip trusted the Holy Spirit’s guidance in Samaria, we too are called to step out in faith, sharing the Good News with a world in need of healing and hope.
These readings challenge us to re-examine our own response to challenges and to trust in God’s plan. Like the early Christians, we may face obstacles, but these can become opportunities to spread the Gospel. Let us draw strength from the Eucharist, the Bread of Life, and allow ourselves to be instruments of God’s grace in our daily lives. May we, like Philip, be open to the Spirit’s prompting and share the love of Christ with those around us, trusting that God will use us to bring light and healing to a world in need.