Daily Mass Readings – Wednesday, 14 April 2027

1b There was raised a great persecution against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all dispersed through the countries of Judea, and Samaria, except the apostles.

2 And devout men took order for Stephen’s funeral, and made great mourning over him.

3 But Saul made havock of the church, entering in from house to house, and dragging away men and women, committed them to prison.

4 They therefore that were dispersed, went about preaching the word of God.

5 And Philip going down to the city of Samaria, preached Christ unto them.

6 And the people with one accord were attentive to those things which were said by Philip, hearing, and seeing the miracles which he did.

7 For many of them who had unclean spirits, crying with a loud voice, went out.

8 And many, taken with the palsy, and that were lame, were healed.

R. (1) Let all the earth cry out to God with joy.

or

R. Alleluia.

1 Shout with joy to God, all the earth,

2 Sing ye a psalm to his name; give glory to his praise.

3a Say unto God, How terrible are thy works, O Lord!

R. Let all the earth cry out to God with joy.

or

R. Alleluia.

4 Let all the earth adore thee, and sing to thee: let it sing a psalm to thy name.

5 Come and see the works of God; who is terrible in his counsels over the sons of men.

R. Let all the earth cry out to God with joy.

or

R. Alleluia.

6 Who turneth the sea into dry land, in the river they shall pass on foot: there shall we rejoice in him.

7a Who by his power ruleth for ever.

R. Let all the earth cry out to God with joy.

or

R. Alleluia.

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

40 Everyone who believes in the Son has eternal life, and I shall raise him up on the last day, says the Lord.

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

35 And Jesus said to them: I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall not hunger: and he that believeth in me shall never thirst.

36 But I said unto you, that you also have seen me, and you believe not.

37 All that the Father giveth to me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me, I will not cast out.

38 Because I came down from heaven, not to do my own will, but the will of him that sent me.

39 Now this is the will of the Father who sent me: that of all that he hath given me, I should lose nothing; but should raise it up again in the last day.

40 And this is the will of my Father that sent me: that every one who seeth the Son, and believeth in him, may have life everlasting, and I will raise him up in the last day.

The persecution that scattered the Church did not silence the word of God. Those who were dispersed carried the Gospel with them, and Philip proclaimed Christ in Samaria, where people listened, were healed, and received joy. What appeared to be an assault on the Church became a path through which the life of Christ reached others. The psalm’s call for the whole earth to rejoice echoes this surprising work of God, whose power can open a way even through suffering.

Jesus reveals the deepest source of this life: he is the bread of life. He does not cast out those who come to him, and he promises to lose none of those entrusted to him. Faith is more than admiring what Jesus does; it is coming to him, believing in him, and trusting the Father’s will. When circumstances scatter our plans or make faithful living costly, we can still place ourselves in Christ’s hands. He sustains his people and leads them toward resurrection. Our task is to remain close to him and carry his word wherever obedience takes us.

Jesus, Bread of Life, draw me near when I am weary, uncertain, or tested. Give me a faith that trusts your promise and rests in the Father’s will. Keep me from losing heart when the path of discipleship becomes difficult. As you sustained the first believers and brought your word to new places, make my life a quiet witness to your mercy and saving power. Help me receive those you place before me with patience and love, and preserve me in your grace until the day you raise your people to everlasting life. Amen.