First Reading - Acts 6:8-15
Gospel - John 6:22-29
What are we really searching for in life? At first glance, it may seem like we are looking for success, security, or comfort. But deep within, every human heart is searching for something more—something lasting, something that truly satisfies. Today’s Word of God challenges us to examine what we are seeking and where we are placing our efforts.
In the first reading, we encounter Stephen, a man full of grace and power. He performs great wonders and speaks with wisdom that his opponents cannot withstand. Yet, instead of accepting the truth, they become hostile. They stir up false accusations against him, unable to defeat him with reason.
Even in the face of such opposition, Stephen remains calm and faithful. His face is described as being like that of an angel—radiating peace and confidence. This shows us that when a person is deeply rooted in God, external hostility cannot shake their inner peace.
In the Gospel, the crowd follows Jesus after witnessing the miracle of the loaves. But Jesus challenges their motives. He tells them that they are seeking Him not because they understood the sign, but because they ate their fill. They are focused on material satisfaction rather than spiritual truth.
Jesus then redirects them: “Do not work for food that perishes, but for the food that endures for eternal life.” When they ask what they must do, His answer is simple and profound: “This is the work of God, that you believe in the one He has sent.”
Dear friends, these readings invite us to reflect on two important questions: what are we seeking, and what sustains us?
Like the crowd, we may sometimes follow God for temporary benefits—solutions to our problems, comfort in difficulty, or material blessings. But Jesus calls us to something deeper: a relationship of faith, where we seek Him not just for what He gives, but for who He is.
Like Stephen, we are called to remain faithful even when it is not easy. Faith is not just about receiving—it is about standing firm, even in the face of misunderstanding or opposition.
The “food that endures” is the life of grace, the Word of God, and the Eucharist—through which Christ nourishes our souls. When we focus on this, our lives gain direction and purpose.
The question for us today is: are we seeking temporary satisfaction, or eternal life? Are we working only for what passes away, or for what truly endures?
May we learn to seek Christ with sincere hearts. May we be strengthened by the food that gives eternal life. And may we, like Stephen, remain faithful and radiant in our witness, no matter the circumstances.
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