Acts 7:51 – 8:1
John 6:30 – 35
In today’s reading from Acts, we see Stephen as the perfect model for us. He stands up for his faith amid persecution and speaks the truth. Today, we see attacks on our faith in the media on a daily basis. In the church, we see the failings of those we have looked to for leadership. We must look to Jesus, stand up for our faith and never lose heart. Stephen follows the example of our Lord by giving his life for his faith and by praying for his persecutors as he dies.
In John, we have the familiar reference to Jesus as the Bread of Life. The Jews make reference to the manna their ancestors ate in the desert and ask Jesus to give a similar sign. They only see the manna as food and not as a sign of the Eucharist to come. Jesus indicates that the true bread from Heaven will give life to the world. When the Jews ask for this bread, Jesus gives the familiar quote: “I am the Bread of Life; whoever comes to me will never hunger, and whoever believes in me will never thirst.” Do we receive the Eucharist with these words in mind? Do we come to Jesus fully so that we will never hunger, or do we only come part way? Do we fully believe in Jesus and live accordingly? The greatest gift of all creation is ours for the taking.
Jeff Rizzi
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