Daily Catholic Mass Readings for May 7, 2025
First Reading: Acts 8.1b-8
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.
Psalm 66
1Make a joyful noise unto God, all ye lands:2Sing forth the honour of his name: make his praise glorious.3Say unto God, How terrible art thou in thy works! through the greatness of thy power shall thine enemies submit themselves unto thee.4All the earth shall worship thee, and shall sing unto thee; they shall sing to thy name. Selah.5Come and see the works of God: he is terrible in his doing toward the children of men.6He turned the sea into dry land: they went through the flood on foot: there did we rejoice in him.7He ruleth by his power for ever; his eyes behold the nations: let not the rebellious exalt themselves. Selah.8O bless our God, ye people, and make the voice of his praise to be heard:9Which holdeth our soul in life, and suffereth not our feet to be moved.10For thou, O God, hast proved us: thou hast tried us, as silver is tried.11Thou broughtest us into the net; thou laidst affliction upon our loins.12Thou hast caused men to ride over our heads; we went through fire and through water: but thou broughtest us out into a wealthy place.13I will go into thy house with burnt offerings: I will pay thee my vows,14Which my lips have uttered, and my mouth hath spoken, when I was in trouble.15I will offer unto thee burnt sacrifices of fatlings, with the incense of rams; I will offer bullocks with goats. Selah.16Come and hear, all ye that fear God, and I will declare what he hath done for my soul.17I cried unto him with my mouth, and he was extolled with my tongue.18If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me:19But verily God hath heard me; he hath attended to the voice of my prayer.20Blessed be God, which hath not turned away my prayer, nor his mercy from me.
Gospel: John 6.35-40
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
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.