Daily Readings - Wed May 08 2019
Acts
1And Saul was there, giving approval to his death.2On that day a great persecution broke out against the church at Jerusalem, and all except the apostles were scattered throughout Judea and Samaria. Godly men buried Stephen and mourned deeply for him.3But Saul began to destroy the church. Going from house to house, he dragged off men and women and put them in prison.4Those who had been scattered preached the word wherever they went.5Philip went down to a city in Samaria and proclaimed the Christ there.6When the crowds heard Philip and saw the miraculous signs he did, they all paid close attention to what he said.7With shrieks, evil spirits came out of many, and many paralytics and cripples were healed.8So there was great joy in that city.
John
35Then Jesus declared, "I am the bread of life. He who comes to me will never go hungry, and he who believes in me will never be thirsty.36But as I told you, you have seen me and still you do not believe.37All that the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never drive away.38For I have come down from heaven not to do my will but to do the will of him who sent me.39And this is the will of him who sent me, that I shall lose none of all that he has given me, but raise them up at the last day.40For my Father's will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in him shall have eternal 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.