Daily Readings - Wed Apr 26 2023
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 hear of the early Church facing persecution and the profound message of Jesus as the bread of life. The first reading from Acts describes a time of great turmoil for the Church, as believers were dispersed following Stephen's martyrdom. Yet, amidst this chaos, Philip ventures to Samaria, preaching Christ and performing miracles, which brings healing and unity to the people. This narrative highlights the resilience of faith and the Church's mission to spread God's word even in adversity.
The Gospel from John presents Jesus' declaration as the bread of life, emphasizing that those who come to Him will find eternal sustenance. Jesus assures that all given to Him by the Father will be welcomed and raised on the last day. This discourse underscores the central Christian belief in Jesus as the source of eternal life and the importance of trusting in God's plan.
These readings remind us that our faith, like that of the early Christians, must persevere through life's challenges. Just as Philip trusted God's guidance to Samaria, we too can face our trials with courage, knowing that our ultimate hope lies in Jesus. Let us draw strength from His promise, trusting that He will see us through every difficulty, and may our lives reflect the same unwavering commitment to sharing God's love.