💖 HOMILY - MAY 6 💖

First Reading - Acts 7:51-8:1 

Gospel - John 6:30-35

We live in a time where our faith is often tested—not just by external challenges, but by internal doubts, fears, and the temptation to reduce our faith to convenience. The readings of today invite us to reflect on the perseverance of true faith, especially when it is met with misunderstanding, rejection, or even hostility.

The first reading gives us a powerful witness of such faith in the person of Stephen. His words, inspired by the Holy Spirit, confront the stubborn hearts of the religious leaders. He tells them the truth, even when he knows it will cost him dearly. But Stephen's faith is not shaken. Filled with the Spirit, he sees the glory of God and Jesus standing at the right hand of the Father. As stones rain down on him, his heart remains anchored in Christ. He forgives, he prays, and he remains faithful. This is true faith—not just a belief in comfortable times, but steadfast conviction even in the face of death.

In the gospel, we see a contrasting image. The crowd that follows Jesus is not moved by faith but by desire for material security. They want more bread, more miracles, more signs. Jesus challenges them to shift their focus—to seek not the perishable bread, but the bread that gives eternal life. He offers Himself as that bread. But this invitation demands more than curiosity or comfort. It demands faith. A faith that believes without always seeing, that follows without always understanding, and that perseveres when challenged.

Dear friends, true faith is not passive. It is active, courageous, and enduring. Stephen shows us that faith grounded in Christ and guided by the Spirit can withstand any trial. The crowd shows us how easily faith can be reduced to self-interest when it is not rooted deeply. We, too, must ask ourselves: what drives our faith? Are we like the crowd, seeking Jesus only when it suits us? Or are we like Stephen, standing firm even when it’s costly?

True faith perseveres. It is not afraid to speak the truth. It is not shaken by rejection. It looks beyond earthly rewards and fixes its eyes on the eternal promise of Jesus—the Bread of Life.

May our hearts be filled with such faith. And may we, like Stephen, find our strength in the Spirit and our hope in Christ, who never fails those who truly believe in Him.