Daily Readings - Wed Apr 17 2024
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 journey through two profound narratives that illuminate the essence of faith and perseverance. The first reading from Acts 8 describes a tumultuous period for the early Church, marked by persecution and dispersion. Yet, amidst this turmoil, the believers, empowered by their faith, continued to spread the Word of God. Philip's mission to Samaria exemplifies this, as he preached Christ and performed miracles, leading many to healing and faith. This passage underscores the resilience of the early Church, which thrived even in adversity, demonstrating that challenges can become opportunities for growth and witness.
The Gospel from John 6 shifts our focus to Jesus, who declares Himself the Bread of Life. He assures us that belief in Him will satiate our deepest hungers and quench our spiritual thirst. Jesus emphasizes His alignment with the Father's will, which is to grant eternal life to all who believe. This passage invites us to trust in Jesus as our sustenance and strength, especially in times of trial. Just as the early Christians found the courage to share their faith despite persecution, we too can draw from the eternal life offered by Christ to navigate life's challenges.
Reflecting on these readings, we are reminded that our faith in Jesus equips us to face any adversity with hope and perseverance. Like the early Church, we are called to share the Good News, trusting that God's will prevails. In our daily lives, let us embrace the Bread of Life, allowing His grace to sustain us and inspire us to be beacons of faith and love. May we, like Philip, step out in faith, trusting that God's power will transform lives, even in the face of difficulty.