MONDAY, THIRD WEEK OF EASTER
Acts 6: 8-15 Ps 119: 23-27, 29-30 Jn 6: 22-29
THE BREAD OF ETERNAL LIFE
The Easter season invites us to reflect on Christ’s resurrection and how it shapes our faith and witness. In the first reading, we encounter Stephen, a man “full of grace and power,” who performs great signs and wonders among the people. Yet, his faithfulness leads to opposition and false accusations. Even as he faces persecution, Stephen’s countenance reflects the radiance of Christ – much like the resurrection hope that sustains believers in trials. Easter reminds us that the same Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead empowers us to stand firm in truth, even when the world resists. Stephen’s life foreshadows the cost of discipleship but also the victory found in Christ, who overcame death. His unwavering faith, even in the face of death, mirrors the resurrection promise: those who lose their lives for Christ will find true life in Him.
The Gospel passage presents Jesus exhorting the people to seek for the “food that endures for eternal life.” After the miracle of the loaves, the people seek Jesus for physical nourishment, but He calls them to a deeper faith; that is, to believe in Him as the Bread of Life. The Easter mystery proclaims this truth loud and clear: Christ is our ultimate sustenance, the One who conquered death to give us eternal life. His resurrection confirms His declaration to the people that He is Bread of Life, affirming that He alone can satisfy our deepest hunger. Jesus, raised in glory, invites us to shift our focus from temporary needs to the imperishable hope found in Him.
As Easter people, we are called to live like Stephen – bold in faith, unwavering in truth – and to seek Jesus not for temporary gains but for the eternal life He offers. The resurrection changes everything: it turns persecution into perseverance, earthly hunger into spiritual fulfilment, and fear into fearless witness. May we, strengthened by the Risen Christ, proclaim His victory in both word and deed.
Response: Blessed are those who walk in the law of the Lord.
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