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Catholic Reflections Daily: Today’s Mass readings Acts 8:1b-8; John 6:35-40. Gospel Theme of the day is Enduring Persecution for God
Table of Contents
Readings of the Day
First Reading
Acts 8:1b-8
1 Now Saul was consenting to his execution. On that day, there broke out a severe persecution of the church in Jerusalem, and all were scattered throughout the countryside of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles. 2 Devout men buried Stephen and made a loud lament over him. 3 Saul, meanwhile, was trying to destroy the church; entering house after house and dragging out men and women, he handed them over for imprisonment. 4 Now those who had been scattered went about preaching the word. 5 Thus Philip went down to [the] city of Samaria and proclaimed the Messiah to them. 6 With one accord, the crowds paid attention to what was said by Philip when they heard it and saw the signs he was doing. 7 For unclean spirits, crying out in a loud voice, came out of many possessed people, and many paralyzed and crippled people were cured. 8 There was great joy in that city.
Responsorial Psalm
Psalm 66:1-3a, 4-5, 6-7a
Response: Let all the earth cry out to God with joy.
or: Alleluia.
Gospel
John 6:35-40
35 Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me will never hunger, and whoever believes in me will never thirst. 36 But I told you that although you have seen [me], you do not believe. 37 Everything that the Father gives me will come to me, and I will not reject anyone who comes to me, 38 because I came down from heaven not to do my own will but the will of the one who sent me. 39 And this is the will of the one who sent me, that I should not lose anything of what he gave me, but that I should raise it [on] the last day. 40 For this is the will of my Father, that everyone who sees the Son and believes in him may have eternal life, and I shall raise him [on] the last day.
Powerful Catholic Reflections Daily
Title: Enduring Persecution for God
Statement: The Eternal life that God wants for all of is only achieved through His beloved Son Jesus Christ
Jesus Christ is the sole source of salvation and nourishment for eternal life. Believing in Him satisfies one’s spiritual hunger and thirst, preventing dissatisfaction and deception from death’s forces. Those who trust in God promote the culture of life.
The Christian virtues of strength, growth, perseverance, and fidelity are evident in those persecuted for their faith. The more they were oppressed, the stronger and more faithful they became.
The apostles’ bravery is admirable, particularly in the face of persecution and the threat of unjust imprisonment and death, as exemplified by Paul’s conversion.
Despite persecution and dispersion, the power of healing and the exceeding joy were evident in the early Church, along with the wisdom and courage to preach about Jesus Christ.
Call to Action: Jesus provides courage and strength, enabling believers to face opposition and persecution with boldness and determination, emerging from a scattered mindset.
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