EASTER DIGEST with Fr. PiusRalph EFFIONG, SMMM

TUESDAY OF THE 3RD WEEK OF EASTER 

Table of the Word

First Reading: Acts 7:51—8:1a

Gospel: John 6:30-35

Theme: "I am the bread of life;...

Reflection:

Today’s readings call us to faith in the face of resistance, and to hunger for what truly satisfies.

Stephen, filled with the Holy Spirit, does not waver in the face of hostility. His martyrdom echoes the passion of Christ, both in his words and in his forgiveness. Like Jesus, he entrusts his spirit to God (cf. Acts 7:59; Luke 23:46).

However, these readings invite us to reflect on this mknd blowing questions?: Are we willing to speak and live the truth even when it is unpopular or dangerous? Do we evade the path of God (holiness) to a comfort zone even if it it is adorned with lies, prejudice and all manners of vice?

On the other hand, the gospel pericope present before us the impactful word of our Lord as the Bread of Life, food for or the earthly pilgrims. The bread in question is not that which will satisfy our earthly hunger as we may desire but it is for the nourishment of the soul (cf. John 6:30–35). Though the people made reference to the manna in the wilderness which their ancestors ate to the satisfaction.

(cf.Exodus 16:4)

 It isnon this note that our Lord reechoes Hos personality as the Bread of life (cf. John 6:35)

This claim invites us into a new level of relationship. Jesus satisfies the deepest hunger of the human heart, not just for food, but for meaning, connection, salvation, and love. The Eucharist, His true Body and Blood, becomes both gift and promise.

Finally, as pilgrims whose home is beyond this ephemeral reality, do we hunger more for temporary comfort or for eternal life?

Are we open to promptings of the Holy Spirit even when the going is tough as Stephen did? And finally how do we 

nourish our soul daily through prayer, Scripture, and the Eucharist?

Let us therefore hunger for this bread of life, and we will not be hungry again. 

+ May the Lord bless His Words in our hearts both now and forevermore. Amen 

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