Daily Readings - Mon Apr 19 2021
Acts
8And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and miracles among the people.9Then there arose certain of the synagogue, which is called the synagogue of the Libertines, and Cyrenians, and Alexandrians, and of them of Cilicia and of Asia, disputing with Stephen.10And they were not able to resist the wisdom and the spirit by which he spake.11Then they suborned men, which said, We have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses, and against God.12And they stirred up the people, and the elders, and the scribes, and came upon him, and caught him, and brought him to the council,13And set up false witnesses, which said, This man ceaseth not to speak blasphemous words against this holy place, and the law:14For we have heard him say, that this Jesus of Nazareth shall destroy this place, and shall change the customs which Moses delivered us.15And all that sat in the council, looking stedfastly on him, saw his face as it had been the face of an angel.
John
22The day following, when the people which stood on the other side of the sea saw that there was none other boat there, save that one whereinto his disciples were entered, and that Jesus went not with his disciples into the boat, but that his disciples were gone away alone;23Howbeit there came other boats from Tiberias nigh unto the place where they did eat bread, after that the Lord had given thanks:)24When the people therefore saw that Jesus was not there, neither his disciples, they also took shipping, and came to Capernaum, seeking for Jesus.25And when they had found him on the other side of the sea, they said unto him, Rabbi, when camest thou hither?26Jesus answered them and said, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Ye seek me, not because ye saw the miracles, but because ye did eat of the loaves, and were filled.27Labour not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give unto you: for him hath God the Father sealed.28Then said they unto him, What shall we do, that we might work the works of God?29Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent.
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter two profound narratives that guide us in our faith journey. The first reading from Acts recounts the trial of Stephen, a deacon filled with grace and wisdom. Despite performing miracles, Stephen faces false accusations from those who cannot withstand his truths. Brought before the council, his serene countenance, like that of an angel, reflects his unwavering faith and divine favor. This episode reminds us of the challenges of standing up for our beliefs and the importance of integrity in the face of adversity.
In the Gospel of John, Jesus addresses a crowd that followed Him after the miracle of feeding the 5000. When they find Him in Capernaum, they inquire about His arrival. Jesus responds by distinguishing their motivation, pointing out they sought Him for earthly satisfaction rather than spiritual enlightenment. He then shifts their focus to eternal life, emphasizing belief in Him as the true bread from heaven. This teaches us to look beyond immediate gratification and seek nourishment for our souls.
Both readings intertwine themes of faith and truth. Stephen's steadfastness in the face of opposition and Jesus's call to seek eternal life urge us to anchor our lives in spiritual commitment. In our daily lives, we may encounter trials like Stephen or be tempted to seek fleeting comforts. Let us draw strength from Stephen's courage and Jesus's teachings, striving to trust in God's plan and seek the eternal nourishment that only faith can provide.