Daily Readings - Wed Apr 29 2020
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 invite us to reflect on faith, persecution, and the universal call to missionary work. The first reading from Acts describes a time of great turmoil for the early Christian community. Following Stephen’s martyrdom, a severe persecution forces the believers to scatter beyond Jerusalem. Yet, even amidst this dispersion, the Gospel spreads as Philip preaches in Samaria, performing miracles and bringing healing to many. This passage reminds us that God’s plan often unfolds in unexpected ways, turning trials into opportunities for growth and evangelization.
The Gospel reading from John presents Jesus as the Bread of Life, emphasizing His role as the ultimate source of spiritual nourishment. Jesus assures us that whoever comes to Him will never hunger or thirst, and that the Father’s will is to draw all people to Him. This passage invites us to deepen our trust in God’s providence and to embrace our role as missionary disciples. Just as Philip trusted the Holy Spirit’s guidance in Samaria, we too are called to step out in faith, sharing the Good News with a world in need of healing and hope.
These readings challenge us to re-examine our own response to challenges and to trust in God’s plan. Like the early Christians, we may face obstacles, but these can become opportunities to spread the Gospel. Let us draw strength from the Eucharist, the Bread of Life, and allow ourselves to be instruments of God’s grace in our daily lives. May we, like Philip, be open to the Spirit’s prompting and share the love of Christ with those around us, trusting that God will use us to bring light and healing to a world in need.