Daily Readings - Mon May 05 2025
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, integrity, and our spiritual journey. The first reading from Acts 6:8-15 introduces us to Stephen, a man filled with grace and fortitude, who performs miracles and preaches with wisdom. Despite his virtuous deeds, he faces opposition from those who cannot refute his message, leading to false accusations and his eventual martyrdom. His serene demeanor, likened to the face of an angel, underscores his unwavering faith in the face of adversity.
In the Gospel of John 6:22-29, Jesus addresses a crowd that followed him after the feeding of the five thousand. He reveals that their pursuit is driven by physical satisfaction rather than a deeper faith. Jesus redirects their focus, emphasizing the importance of seeking eternal life through belief in him. This exchange highlights the distinction between temporary earthly gains and the enduring spiritual nourishment offered by Christ.
These readings connect through themes of standing firm in faith amidst challenges and seeking more than superficial fulfillment. Stephen’s courage in the face of false accusations mirrors Jesus’ call to look beyond the physical to the eternal. Both narratives remind us to stay grounded in our faith, even when faced with opposition or when our motivations are tested.
In our daily lives, these lessons encourage us to remain steadfast in our beliefs and to seek deeper spiritual meaning. Just as Stephen’s integrity shone through his trials, we too can face challenges with grace. Like the crowd in John’s Gospel, we are reminded to look beyond immediate gratification and nurture our spiritual hunger. The moral lesson here is one of integrity and focus—urging us to pursue eternal values over fleeting concerns, trusting in God’s plan and seeking nourishment for our souls.