Daily Readings - Mon Apr 24 2023
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 faith, perseverance, and spiritual nourishment. The first reading from Acts 6:8-15 introduces us to Stephen, a deacon filled with grace and wisdom, who faces fierce opposition for his preaching. Despite the false accusations and hostility, Stephen remains steadfast, embodying the strength of his faith. This narrative highlights the challenges of spreading God's message and the importance of standing firm in the face of adversity.
The Gospel from John 6:22-29 shifts our focus to Jesus, who, after feeding the 5000, challenges the crowd to seek more than just physical sustenance. He calls them to pursue eternal life through faith in him. This passage emphasizes the distinction between temporary satisfaction and the enduring fulfillment found in spiritual commitment. Jesus' words remind us that our ultimate nourishment comes from believing in him and his divine mission.
Both readings share a common theme of facing opposition and misunderstanding. Stephen's courage in the face of false accusations mirrors Jesus' steadfastness in redirecting the crowd's focus. These stories encourage us to remain faithful despite challenges and to prioritize spiritual growth over worldly concerns. They remind us that true strength lies in trusting God's plan and seeking His will above all else. Let us draw inspiration from Stephen's perseverance and Jesus' teachings, striving to live with unwavering faith and a heart open to eternal truths.