Thursday of the 2nd Week of Easter

• First Reading – Acts 5:27-33: Despite being ordered not to, the Apostles continued teaching about Jesus, arguing they must obey God over humans. This defiance enraged the Sanhedrin, who pondered executing them.
• Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 34: I will endlessly praise the Lord and take refuge in Him. He hears the righteous and delivers them from troubles, being close to the brokenhearted and saving them from all adversities.
• Gospel – John 3:31-36: The one from heaven surpasses all, speaking of divine truths often rejected by the earthly-minded. Yet, accepting His testimony is acknowledging God’s truth. Given unlimited Spirit to share, the Son, beloved by the Father and entrusted with all, offers eternal life to believers, whereas rejection leads to remaining under God’s wrath.

The one who comes from above is above all.

John 3:31

Thursday of the 2nd Week of Easter highlights themes of obedience, belief, and the authority of Jesus. The readings encourage us to trust in God’s plan and live out our faith boldly, even in the face of opposition.

• Obeying God Over Men: The Apostles declare that they must obey God rather than human authorities. This reminds us to prioritize God’s will in our lives, even when it challenges worldly expectations.
• Jesus’ Authority From Heaven: The Gospel emphasizes that Jesus speaks with authority because He comes from above. This calls us to trust in His words as the ultimate truth and guide for our lives.
• Boldness in Faith: The Apostles remain bold in their testimony about Jesus, despite being threatened. This shows the strength that comes from believing in the message of salvation.
• God’s Gift of Life: The Gospel reminds us that Jesus offers eternal life to those who believe in Him. This underscores the hope and renewal that come through faith in Christ.
• Faith Beyond Fear: The Apostles choose to act with courage, trusting in God’s power rather than giving in to fear. This inspires us to live out our faith with confidence, even when faced with difficulties.
• Listening to God’s Word: The Gospel calls us to listen to Jesus and accept His testimony. By doing so, we grow in understanding and strengthen our relationship with God.
• The Call to Witness: The Apostles’ actions reflect their commitment to sharing the Gospel. This challenges us to live as witnesses to Christ in our daily lives.

Thursday of the 2nd Week of Easter invites us to deepen our faith and live with boldness and trust in Jesus. The readings encourage us to embrace the hope and life that come from believing in Him and to share that hope with others.

Thursday of the 2nd Week of Easter calls us to reflect on obedience to God, trust in Jesus’ authority, and the hope that faith brings. The readings show the courage of the Apostles as they declare their loyalty to God and the power of Jesus’ words that lead us to eternal life. These reflections encourage us to live boldly in faith, guided by God’s truth and promises.

Obeying God Over Human Authorities

In the first reading for Thursday of the 2nd Week of Easter, the Apostles boldly proclaim that they must obey God rather than human authorities. Faced with threats and opposition, they choose to follow their mission, trusting in God’s will above all else. This act of courage highlights their deep faith and commitment to spreading the message of salvation.

This theme reminds us that God’s law must guide our actions, even when it conflicts with worldly expectations. Obeying God requires courage and trust, especially when the world pressures us to act differently. It calls for faith that prioritizes truth, justice, and love over personal convenience, political affiliations, and fear.

Thursday of the 2nd Week of Easter challenges us to reflect on our own choices. Are we willing to follow God’s guidance, even when it is difficult? Like the Apostles, we are invited to live with integrity, placing God’s will above all else in our lives.

Jesus Speaks With Authority

The Gospel for Thursday of the 2nd Week of Easter emphasizes that Jesus speaks with authority because He comes from above. His words are not just human teachings; they reveal the truth of God’s love and plan for the world. Believing in Jesus means trusting in His message and following His guidance for our lives.

Jesus’ authority challenges us to examine whose voice we listen to most. The world offers many distractions and opinions, but the Gospel calls us to focus on Jesus’ teachings as the ultimate source of truth. His words lead us to eternal life and provide a firm foundation for our faith.

Thursday of the 2nd Week of Easter reminds us to place our trust in Jesus and His authority. By following His words, we grow closer to God and find strength to face the challenges of life. His teachings are a light to guide us through times of uncertainty and doubt.

Faith That Leads to Eternal Life

Both the first reading and the Gospel for Thursday of the 2nd Week of Easter emphasize the importance of faith in God’s plan for salvation. The Apostles trust in God’s power and continue their mission despite opposition. The Gospel reminds us that belief in Jesus brings eternal life, offering hope and renewal to all who follow Him.

Faith is more than belief; it is an active trust in God’s promises. The Apostles show this by boldly proclaiming the good news, and Jesus calls us to do the same. Faith connects us to God and empowers us to live with hope and courage.

Thursday of the 2nd Week of Easter invites us to reflect on how faith shapes our lives. Are we living in a way that reflects our trust in God’s promises? By believing in Jesus and following His example, we experience the renewal and hope that come from faith.

---

As we reflect on Thursday of the 2nd Week of Easter, we are reminded to prioritize God’s will, trust in Jesus’ teachings, and live as witnesses to His message. May these reflections strengthen our faith and inspire us to share His love and hope with others.

Prayer

Lord, help us to obey Your will and trust in Your guidance. Teach us to listen to Jesus’ words and follow His example in our daily lives. Strengthen our faith and give us courage to share Your message with the world. May we always live in the hope of Your promises. Amen.

Reflection Questions

• How can you prioritize God’s will in your decisions and actions?
• Do you trust in Jesus’ authority and let His teachings guide your life?
• In what ways can you show courage in living out your faith?
• How does faith in God’s promises bring hope to your life?

Word on Fire: Sending the Son

In this reflection for Thursday of the 2nd Week of Easter, Bishop Robert Barron talks about eternal life for those who believe in the Son of God. He says all religions discuss our relationship with God, but Christianity goes further with the Incarnation.

The Gospel of John tells us God gave His Son so we can have eternal life. This shows Christianity’s unique belief that we can share in God’s life, not just as creations but as friends. This is because love is complete only when there is someone to fully receive it.

USCCB Reflection: What Is Your Name?

The USCCB video reflection for Thursday of the 2nd Week of Easter discusses how King Nebuchadnezzar tried to change the identities of Daniel and his friends by renaming them, reflecting today’s culture attempting to redefine God’s creation. It emphasizes that our true identity is in God and challenges us to live and think in Godly ways, not conforming to cultural redefinitions but being faithful witnesses to the Gospel.

Jesus offers eternal life to those who believe in Him, urging us not to hide our faith but to live it fully, loving and serving God above all.

What date is Thursday of the 2nd Week of Easter?

The next date is Thursday May 1, 2025.

What are the Mass readings for Thursday of the 2nd Week of Easter?

The Mass readings for Thursday May 1, 2025 are:
First Reading – Acts 5:27-33: The Apostles’ Obedience to God
Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 34: Rejoicing in God’s Protection
Gospel – John 3:31-36: Heavenly Wisdom Surpasses All

Why do the Apostles say they must obey God rather than men in the first reading for Thursday of the 2nd Week of Easter?

The Apostles explain that their loyalty is to God above any human authority. They believe it is more important to follow God’s will than to obey commands that go against their mission to share the Gospel.

How do the Apostles show courage?

The Apostles boldly proclaim their message about Jesus, even though they are threatened by the authorities. Their actions show their trust in God’s power and their commitment to their mission.

What can we learn from the Apostles’ example in the first reading for Thursday of the 2nd Week of Easter?

The Apostles teach us to remain faithful to God, even when it is difficult. Their courage reminds us to trust in God’s guidance and share His message with others.

What does the Gospel say about Jesus’ authority?

The Gospel teaches that Jesus speaks with authority because He comes from heaven. His words carry the truth of God and reveal the path to eternal life.

What does the Gospel for Thursday of the 2nd Week of Easter say about eternal life?

The Gospel explains that belief in Jesus brings eternal life. Faith in Him connects us to God and gives us hope for life beyond this world.

Why is listening to Jesus important?

Listening to Jesus means accepting His testimony and living according to His teachings. By doing this, we grow closer to God and deepen our faith.

What does the Gospel teach about truth?

The Gospel shows that Jesus speaks the truth because He comes from God. Believing in Him helps us live according to God’s truth.

How do the readings for Thursday of the 2nd Week of Easter apply to our lives?

The readings encourage us to trust in God, live with courage, and share the message of salvation. They call us to put God’s will first and follow Jesus faithfully.

What is the main message of Thursday of the 2nd Week of Easter?

The readings highlight obedience to God, trust in Jesus, and the hope of eternal life. They remind us to live boldly and share the Gospel with others.