Daily Readings - Mon May 05 2025
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 invite us to reflect on faith, integrity, and our spiritual journey. The first reading from Acts 6:8-15 introduces us to Stephen, a man filled with grace and fortitude, who performs miracles and preaches with wisdom. Despite his virtuous deeds, he faces opposition from those who cannot refute his message, leading to false accusations and his eventual martyrdom. His serene demeanor, likened to the face of an angel, underscores his unwavering faith in the face of adversity.
In the Gospel of John 6:22-29, Jesus addresses a crowd that followed him after the feeding of the five thousand. He reveals that their pursuit is driven by physical satisfaction rather than a deeper faith. Jesus redirects their focus, emphasizing the importance of seeking eternal life through belief in him. This exchange highlights the distinction between temporary earthly gains and the enduring spiritual nourishment offered by Christ.
These readings connect through themes of standing firm in faith amidst challenges and seeking more than superficial fulfillment. Stephen’s courage in the face of false accusations mirrors Jesus’ call to look beyond the physical to the eternal. Both narratives remind us to stay grounded in our faith, even when faced with opposition or when our motivations are tested.
In our daily lives, these lessons encourage us to remain steadfast in our beliefs and to seek deeper spiritual meaning. Just as Stephen’s integrity shone through his trials, we too can face challenges with grace. Like the crowd in John’s Gospel, we are reminded to look beyond immediate gratification and nurture our spiritual hunger. The moral lesson here is one of integrity and focus—urging us to pursue eternal values over fleeting concerns, trusting in God’s plan and seeking nourishment for our souls.