Daily Readings - Tue Apr 20 2021
Acts
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.
John
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.