Greetings on this the Wednesday of the Third Week of Easter
Readings: Acts 8:1b-8; PS 66:1-3a, 4-5, 6-7a; Jn 6:35-40
Notes: Some would prefer to recognize Philip as not of the deacons of Acts 6.
Deacons: The proposal was acceptable to the whole community, so they chose Stephen, a man filled with faith and the holy Spirit, also Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicholas of Antioch, a convert to Judaism.
- Stephen was the first Christian Martyr.
- Philip was the first to expel evil spirits.
Just saying (giggling).
First reading
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.
The Apostles properly maintained their presence in Jerusalem and preached the gospel to the people in the Temple. The deacons were the first to go out, scattered, into the new diaspora to come.
Responsorial Psalm
Let all the earth cry out to God with joy.
Alleluia Verse
Everyone who believes in the Son has eternal life,
and I shall raise him up on the last day, says the Lord.
Gospel Portion
Jesus said to the crowds,
“I am the bread of life;
whoever comes to me will never hunger,
and whoever believes in me will never thirst.
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.”
Jesus assures us and his works and Resurrection validates his assurance that:
- Living with Him in this life is a life without unsatisfied hunger or unsatisfied thirst.
- Living with Him in this life is the promise of the Resurrection unto the Just.
Those who have done good deeds to the resurrection of life, but those who have done wicked deeds to the resurrection of condemnation (Jn 5:29).
Many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake; Some to everlasting life,
others to reproach and everlasting disgrace (Daniel 12:2).
Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry
Deacon Gerry Palermo 