Daily Readings - Mon Apr 19 2021
Acts
8Now Stephen, a man full of God's grace and power, did great wonders and miraculous signs among the people.9Opposition arose, however, from members of the Synagogue of the Freedmen (as it was called)--Jews of Cyrene and Alexandria as well as the provinces of Cilicia and Asia. These men began to argue with Stephen,10but they could not stand up against his wisdom or the Spirit by whom he spoke.11Then they secretly persuaded some men to say, "We have heard Stephen speak words of blasphemy against Moses and against God."12So they stirred up the people and the elders and the teachers of the law. They seized Stephen and brought him before the Sanhedrin.13They produced false witnesses, who testified, "This fellow never stops speaking against this holy place and against the law.14For we have heard him say that this Jesus of Nazareth will destroy this place and change the customs Moses handed down to us."15All who were sitting in the Sanhedrin looked intently at Stephen, and they saw that his face was like the face of an angel.
John
22The next day the crowd that had stayed on the opposite shore of the lake realized that only one boat had been there, and that Jesus had not entered it with his disciples, but that they had gone away alone.23Then some boats from Tiberias landed near the place where the people had eaten the bread after the Lord had given thanks.24Once the crowd realized that neither Jesus nor his disciples were there, they got into the boats and went to Capernaum in search of Jesus.25When they found him on the other side of the lake, they asked him, "Rabbi, when did you get here?"26Jesus answered, "I tell you the truth, you are looking for me, not because you saw miraculous signs but because you ate the loaves and had your fill.27Do not work for food that spoils, but for food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you. On him God the Father has placed his seal of approval."28Then they asked him, "What must we do to do the works God requires?"29Jesus answered, "The work of God is this: to believe in the one he has 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.