Daily Readings - Fri Apr 19 2024
Acts
1But Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest2and asked him for letters to the synagogues at Damascus, so that if he found any belonging to the Way, men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem.3Now as he went on his way, he approached Damascus, and suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him.4And falling to the ground he heard a voice saying to him, "Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?"5And he said, "Who are you, Lord?" And he said, "I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting.6But rise and enter the city, and you will be told what you are to do."7The men who were traveling with him stood speechless, hearing the voice but seeing no one.8Saul rose from the ground, and although his eyes were opened, he saw nothing. So they led him by the hand and brought him into Damascus.9And for three days he was without sight, and neither ate nor drank.10Now there was a disciple at Damascus named Ananias. The Lord said to him in a vision, "Ananias." And he said, "Here I am, Lord."11And the Lord said to him, "Rise and go to the street called Straight, and at the house of Judas look for a man of Tarsus named Saul, for behold, he is praying,12and he has seen in a vision a man named Ananias come in and lay his hands on him so that he might regain his sight."13But Ananias answered, "Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how much evil he has done to your saints at Jerusalem.14And here he has authority from the chief priests to bind all who call on your name."15But the Lord said to him, "Go, for he is a chosen instrument of mine to carry my name before the Gentiles and kings and the children of Israel.16For I will show him how much he must suffer for the sake of my name."17So Ananias departed and entered the house. And laying his hands on him he said, "Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus who appeared to you on the road by which you came has sent me so that you may regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit."18And immediately something like scales fell from his eyes, and he regained his sight. Then he rose and was baptized;19and taking food, he was strengthened.For some days he was with the disciples at Damascus.20And immediately he proclaimed Jesus in the synagogues, saying, "He is the Son of God."
John
52The Jews then disputed among themselves, saying, "How can this man give us his flesh to eat?"53So Jesus said to them, "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you have no life in you.54Whoever feeds on my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day.55For my flesh is true food, and my blood is true drink.56Whoever feeds on my flesh and drinks my blood abides in me, and I in him.57As the living Father sent me, and I live because of the Father, so whoever feeds on me, he also will live because of me.58This is the bread that came down from heaven, not as the fathers ate and died. Whoever feeds on this bread will live forever."59Jesus said these things in the synagogue, as he taught at Capernaum.
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter two profound narratives that invite us to reflect on transformation and the grace of God. The first reading from Acts recounts the dramatic conversion of Saul, a zealous Pharisee who persecuted early Christians. His journey to Damascus is interrupted by a blinding vision of Jesus, leading to his repentance and healing through Ananias. This event marks Saul's transformation into Paul, a devoted missionary. The second reading from John features Jesus' discourse on the Bread of Life, where He emphasizes that partaking in His flesh and blood is essential for eternal life, symbolizing spiritual nourishment and union with Him.
These readings are deeply connected through themes of transformation and divine grace. Saul's conversion illustrates God's power to change hearts, turning a persecutor into a proclaimer of faith. Similarly, Jesus' words in John highlight the necessity of spiritual nourishment for eternal life, offering a transformative relationship with God. Both narratives underscore the idea that true transformation comes from encountering God's grace.
In our daily lives, these readings encourage us to remain open to transformative moments. Just as Saul was transformed by his encounter with Jesus, we too can experience conversion and renewal. Jesus' invitation to partake in His divine life reminds us to seek spiritual nourishment through prayer, sacraments, and living according to His teachings. The moral lesson here is the boundless grace of God, urging us to embrace His transformative power in our lives, leading us to deeper faith and service.