Daily Readings - Wed May 04 2022
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 guide us in our faith journey. The first reading from Acts describes a time of great turmoil for the early Church, as persecution leads to the dispersion of believers. Yet, amidst this chaos, the Gospel spreads as Philip preaches in Samaria, performing miracles and bringing many to faith. This shows us that even in adversity, God's work flourishes. The Gospel from John presents Jesus as the Bread of Life, emphasizing that faith in Him leads to eternal life and fulfillment of the Father's will.
The context of Acts is set just after Stephen's martyrdom, a pivotal moment that intensifies persecution but paradoxically accelerates the spread of Christianity. In John, Jesus' discourse occurs after feeding the multitude, highlighting His divine role as the sustainer of both body and soul. Both readings underscore the theme of spiritual nourishment and the unstoppable nature of God's plan.
Reflecting on these passages, we are reminded that challenges in our lives do not hinder God's work but can be opportunities for growth. Like the early Christians, we should trust in God's providence and remain faithful in sharing the Gospel. Jesus, as the Bread of Life, sustains us, giving us the strength to persevere and spread His message. The moral lesson here is clear: trust in God's plan and remain steadfast in your faith, for it is through Him that we find true life and purpose.