Daily Catholic Mass Readings for April 20, 2021
First Reading: Acts 7.51 – 8.1a
51"You stiff-necked people, with uncircumcised hearts and ears! You are just like your fathers: You always resist the Holy Spirit!52Was there ever a prophet your fathers did not persecute? They even killed those who predicted the coming of the Righteous One. And now you have betrayed and murdered him--53you who have received the law that was put into effect through angels but have not obeyed it."54When they heard this, they were furious and gnashed their teeth at him.55But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, looked up to heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God.56"Look," he said, "I see heaven open and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God."57At this they covered their ears and, yelling at the top of their voices, they all rushed at him,58dragged him out of the city and began to stone him. Meanwhile, the witnesses laid their clothes at the feet of a young man named Saul.59While they were stoning him, Stephen prayed, "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit."60Then he fell on his knees and cried out, "Lord, do not hold this sin against them." When he had said this, he fell asleep.
Psalm 31
1In you, O LORD, I have taken refuge; let me never be put to shame; deliver me in your righteousness.2Turn your ear to me, come quickly to my rescue; be my rock of refuge, a strong fortress to save me.3Since you are my rock and my fortress, for the sake of your name lead and guide me.4Free me from the trap that is set for me, for you are my refuge.5Into your hands I commit my spirit; redeem me, O LORD, the God of truth.6I hate those who cling to worthless idols; I trust in the LORD.7I will be glad and rejoice in your love, for you saw my affliction and knew the anguish of my soul.8You have not handed me over to the enemy but have set my feet in a spacious place.9Be merciful to me, O LORD, for I am in distress; my eyes grow weak with sorrow, my soul and my body with grief.10My life is consumed by anguish and my years by groaning; my strength fails because of my affliction, and my bones grow weak.11Because of all my enemies, I am the utter contempt of my neighbors; I am a dread to my friends- those who see me on the street flee from me.12I am forgotten by them as though I were dead; I have become like broken pottery.13For I hear the slander of many; there is terror on every side; they conspire against me and plot to take my life.14But I trust in you, O LORD; I say, "You are my God."15My times are in your hands; deliver me from my enemies and from those who pursue me.16Let your face shine on your servant; save me in your unfailing love.17Let me not be put to shame, O LORD, for I have cried out to you; but let the wicked be put to shame and lie silent in the grave.18Let their lying lips be silenced, for with pride and contempt they speak arrogantly against the righteous.19How great is your goodness, which you have stored up for those who fear you, which you bestow in the sight of men on those who take refuge in you.20In the shelter of your presence you hide them from the intrigues of men; in your dwelling you keep them safe from accusing tongues.21Praise be to the LORD, for he showed his wonderful love to me when I was in a besieged city.22In my alarm I said, "I am cut off from your sight!" Yet you heard my cry for mercy when I called to you for help.23Love the LORD, all his saints! The LORD preserves the faithful, but the proud he pays back in full.24Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the LORD.
Gospel: John 6.30-35
30So they asked him, "What miraculous sign then will you give that we may see it and believe you? What will you do?31Our forefathers ate the manna in the desert; as it is written: 'He gave them bread from heaven to eat.'"32Jesus said to them, "I tell you the truth, it is not Moses who has given you the bread from heaven, but it is my Father who gives you the true bread from heaven.33For the bread of God is he who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world."34"Sir," they said, "from now on give us this bread."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.
Sermon
In today’s readings, we encounter two powerful moments in the early Christian story that invite us to reflect on faith, persecution, and the ultimate source of our strength. The first reading from Acts recounts the martyrdom of Stephen, one of the first deacons of the Church. Stephen, filled with the Holy Spirit, stands before his accusers and boldly proclaims the truth of God’s plan, even as he sees the glory of God and Jesus at the right hand of the Father. Despite the hatred and violence directed toward him, Stephen forgives his persecutors and entrusts his spirit to the Lord. His death marks the beginning of a great persecution against the Church in Jerusalem, scattering the believers but also spreading the Gospel to new regions. Meanwhile, in the Gospel, Jesus reveals himself as the “bread of life,” the true nourishment that satisfies our deepest hunger. He contrasts the manna given to the Israelites in the desert with the eternal life he offers, emphasizing that he is the gift from heaven who gives life to the world.
These readings are deeply connected. Stephen’s martyrdom exemplifies the cost of following Jesus, while Jesus’ words in the Gospel remind us of the eternal life and strength we receive through him. Stephen’s ability to forgive and trust in God, even in the face of death, flows from his belief in the risen Christ, who is the bread of life. The scattering of the early Church after Stephen’s death, though it seems like a setback, becomes the means by which the Gospel spreads. This shows us that even in times of trial, God’s plan prevails, and his Word continues to nourish and sustain his people.
As we reflect on these readings, let us ask ourselves: Do we trust in God’s providence, even when the path ahead seems uncertain or difficult? Do we turn to Jesus, the bread of life, for the strength and grace we need to live as his disciples? Stephen’s example teaches us that faith is not about avoiding suffering but about remaining faithful and forgiving, even in the face of persecution. Jesus’ promise of eternal life reminds us that our ultimate fulfillment is not found in this world but in him. Let us strive to live with the courage and trust of Stephen, and let us seek spiritual nourishment in the bread of life, that we may bear witness to God’s love in all we do.