Daily Readings - Mon Apr 19 2021
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 guide us in our faith journey. The first reading from Acts recounts the trial of Stephen, a deacon filled with grace and wisdom. Despite performing miracles, Stephen faces false accusations from those who cannot withstand his truths. Brought before the council, his serene countenance, like that of an angel, reflects his unwavering faith and divine favor. This episode reminds us of the challenges of standing up for our beliefs and the importance of integrity in the face of adversity.
In the Gospel of John, Jesus addresses a crowd that followed Him after the miracle of feeding the 5000. When they find Him in Capernaum, they inquire about His arrival. Jesus responds by distinguishing their motivation, pointing out they sought Him for earthly satisfaction rather than spiritual enlightenment. He then shifts their focus to eternal life, emphasizing belief in Him as the true bread from heaven. This teaches us to look beyond immediate gratification and seek nourishment for our souls.
Both readings intertwine themes of faith and truth. Stephen's steadfastness in the face of opposition and Jesus's call to seek eternal life urge us to anchor our lives in spiritual commitment. In our daily lives, we may encounter trials like Stephen or be tempted to seek fleeting comforts. Let us draw strength from Stephen's courage and Jesus's teachings, striving to trust in God's plan and seek the eternal nourishment that only faith can provide.