Daily Readings - Wed May 08 2019
Acts
1And Saul was consenting unto his death. And at that time there was a great persecution against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered abroad throughout the regions of Judaea and Samaria, except the apostles.2And devout men carried Stephen to his burial, and made great lamentation over him.3As for Saul, he made havock of the church, entering into every house, and haling men and women committed them to prison.4Therefore they that were scattered abroad went every where preaching the word.5Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria, and preached Christ unto them.6And the people with one accord gave heed unto those things which Philip spake, hearing and seeing the miracles which he did.7For unclean spirits, crying with loud voice, came out of many that were possessed with them: and many taken with palsies, and that were lame, were healed.8And there was great joy in that city.
John
35And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst.36But I said unto you, That ye also have seen me, and believe not.37All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.38For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me.39And this is the Father's will which hath sent me, that of all which he hath given me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up again at the last day.40And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day.
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter two powerful narratives that illuminate the journey of faith and the divine plan. The first reading from Acts describes a time of great turmoil for the early Church, as persecution forces believers to scatter. Yet, amidst this dispersion, the Gospel spreads as Philip preaches in Samaria, performing miracles and drawing many to Christ. This passage reveals how adversity can become an unexpected catalyst for growth and outreach.
The Gospel from John presents Jesus as the Bread of Life, emphasizing His role as the source of eternal nourishment. Jesus assures us that those who come to Him will never hunger or thirst, and that the Father's will is that all who believe in Him will have eternal life. This teaching underscores the importance of trust and faith in God's providence, even when circumstances seem uncertain.
Together, these readings remind us that our challenges, though daunting, are part of a larger divine plan. Like the early Christians, we are called to trust in God's guidance and to share the Good News in our own contexts. Let us embrace our faith actively, spreading love and hope, and trusting that God's will prevails, leading us to eternal life.