Daily Readings - Wed May 07 2025
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
The first reading from Acts describes a time of great trial for the early Church, as persecution forces the disciples to scatter across Judea and Samaria. Yet, even in the midst of suffering, the Gospel spreads. Philip, one of the early followers of Christ, preaches in Samaria, and the people are drawn to his message of hope and healing. The signs and miracles he performs open hearts to the Good News, showing how God’s power can transform even the most difficult circumstances. This passage reminds us that persecution and hardship do not stop the spread of the Gospel; instead, they often accelerate it.
In the Gospel, Jesus declares Himself the bread of life, promising to satisfy the deepest hungers of those who come to Him. He emphasizes that faith is a gift from the Father, and whoever believes in Him will be raised on the last day. This teaching underscores the mysterious and gracious will of God, who desires that none be lost but all have eternal life. Just as Philip in the first reading trusted in God’s plan and shared the Word with others, Jesus invites us to trust in His Father’s will and to seek our ultimate fulfillment in Him.
These readings call us to reflect on our own trust in God’s plan and our willingness to share the Gospel in our lives. Like Philip, we are called to be instruments of hope and healing, even in challenging times. And like those who listened to Jesus, we are reminded to seek our true fulfillment in Him, the bread of life. May we, in our daily lives, trust in God’s will, share His love with others, and find our ultimate satisfaction in His eternal promise.