Greetings on this the Tuesday of the Third Week of Easter
Readings: Acts 7:51—8:1a; PS 31:3cd-4, 6 and 7b and 8a, 17 and 21ab; Jn 6:30-35
Note: Easter season uses continuous reading of the Book of the Acts of the Apostles. Really helpful to read daily so I recommend it. You can get the daily readings here: bible.usccb.org
The first reading portion from the Acts of the Apostles brings about the general and specific accusation of humanity against God.
The gospel reading portion from the gospel according to John brings about the general and specific accusation of humanity against God.
Kind of a trend.
First Reading
- We refuse to believe we are in the habit of not believing God or, if you prefer, we believe but reject what he has to say (two sides of the same coin).
You stiff-necked people, uncircumcised in heart and ears,
you always oppose the Holy Spirit;
you are just like your ancestors.
Which of the prophets did your ancestors not persecute?
And again…
- We refuse to integrate what we receive from God.
They put to death those who foretold the coming of the righteous one,
whose betrayers and murderers you have now become.
You received the law as transmitted by angels,
but you did not observe it.”
And again…
- We repeat the past.
But they cried out in a loud voice,
covered their ears, and rushed upon him together.
Responsorial Psalm
The psalmist brings us a new perspective.
- For my guidance – Into your hands, O Lord, I commend my spirit.
- For my redemption – Into your hands, O Lord, I commend my spirit.
- For my safety – Into your hands, O Lord, I commend my spirit.
We accept what the Lord says, the truth and sometimes painful truth, by complete surrender.
Gospel
- We refuse to believe – What sign can you do, that we may see and believe in you?
- We provide for ourselves – He gave them bread from heaven to eat. Yet, ”Amen, amen, I say to you, it was not Moses who gave the bread from heaven.
- We repeat the past. So they said to Jesus, “Sir, give us this bread always.”
Jesus uses this as an opportunity to correct and invite.
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.”
The psalmist got it right. Lord Jesus, for our guidance, redemption and safety:
Into your hands, O Lord, I commend my spirit.
Pease be with you,
Deacon Gerry
Deacon Gerry Palermo 