6 May
Tue
3rd Week of Easter
Acts 7:51-8:1
Ps. 31:2-3,5-7,16,20
Jn. 6:30-35
(Psalter Week III)
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Jesus, in Chapter 5 of John's Gospel, produces "works". Then, in Chapter 6, He connects His "works" to His relationship with His Father. In verses 30-35, He explains the giving of bread to the multitudes and the other "signs". In His teaching, He tries to lift His followers' interest above free bread to the heavenly bread to which the "signs" point. He tells them that the "work" to be done was for them to believe in Him whom God had sent, rather than to insist on a sign first.

The key word here is "gift" which is repeated often in this discourse. God the Father is the source of all the gifts, whether they be manna from the skies or the bread of life, which gives life to the world, and which is Jesus Himself. "I am the bread of life" (John 6:35) is a definite and emphatic use of the "I am", and this power to give life is repeated throughout this discourse. Jesus invites all to His Banquet which actually is the same as inviting belief in Him. The acceptance of this gift, of this invitation to the Banquet, is seen in the life and death of Stephen. Stephen believed to the point where he dared to rebuke the elders and the scribes, and to face death as the first Christian martyr. In his death, we see what Jesus meant when He said that the bread of God "comes down from Heaven and gives life to the world," (Jn:6:33), for Stephen was filled with the Holy Spirit and "saw the glory of God and Jesus standing at God's right hand" (Acts:7:56).



Lord, help us to receive Your Spirit, and see Your glory in the Eucharistic Bread of Life.

DAILY OFFERING
Eternal Father, I offer You everything I do this day; my thoughts, words, joys and sufferings. Grant that, vivified by the Holy Spirit and united to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary, my life this day may be of service to You and to others. I also pray that all those preparing for marriage discover in Sacrament the source of Christ's grace for living a fithful and fruitful love. Amen.

PRAYING WITH THE CHURCH
INTENTION
That children in difficulty and those who devote themselves to their care, may find in Mary, Mother of life, constant support and help.
Elaboration

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