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

For Thursday of the 2nd Week of Easter, the readings focus on several key themes:

• Obedience to God Over Humans: The Apostles choose to follow God's command to preach about Jesus, even when it goes against human authorities. This shows a deep faith and commitment to God's will.
• The Superiority of Divine Wisdom: The Gospel emphasizes that Jesus, coming from heaven, possesses knowledge and truth far beyond what we can understand. His teachings are divine and offer a perspective that transcends earthly wisdom.
• The Power of the Holy Spirit: The passages highlight the role of the Holy Spirit in spreading God's word and the unlimited power granted to Jesus to share this Spirit.
• Faith and Eternal Life: Believing in Jesus and accepting His teachings is presented as the way to acknowledge God's truth and receive eternal life.
• Conflict Between Divine and Earthly Authorities: Both readings illustrate tensions between following God and adhering to earthly powers, showing the challenges believers face in staying true to their faith.

These themes are meant to inspire believers to reflect on their own faith, the importance of adhering to divine truths, and the eternal rewards of following God's will.

The readings for Thursday of the 2nd week of Easter highlight the significance of following God's commands and acknowledging the authority and divinity of Jesus. They also illustrate the negative outcomes of disobeying or rejecting the truth and emphasize the importance of believing in Jesus as the means to attain eternal life. Overall, these readings emphasize the importance of being faithful to God and having trust in Jesus Christ as the way to salvation.

In today's First Reading from Acts, we witness the courage of the Apostles as they proclaim the truth of Jesus Christ to the Sanhedrin, despite being ordered not to. The high priest questions them about why they continue to teach in the name of Jesus, and Peter boldly replies, "We must obey God rather than men." This statement reveals the Apostles' conviction that their ultimate allegiance is to God, not to human authority, even if that authority conflicts with God's commands.

This message resonates with us today, as we are often faced with the challenge of living out our faith in a world that does not always support it. It can be tempting to compromise our beliefs in order to fit in with societal norms or avoid conflict, but the example of the Apostles reminds us that we must remain faithful to God even in the face of opposition.

The Gospel passage from John further emphasizes the importance of believing in Jesus as the path to eternal life. Jesus is the one who comes from heaven and testifies about what he has seen and heard from God. Believing in him is not just a matter of accepting his words, but of trusting in his divine authority and submitting to his will. Those who accept his testimony confirm the truth of God and are granted the gift of eternal life.

As Catholics, we are called to follow the example of the Apostles and to trust in Jesus as our Savior and Lord. We are called to obey God's commands, even when it may be difficult or unpopular, and to believe in the truth of Jesus Christ as the way to eternal life. May we draw strength from the witness of the Apostles and the promise of salvation through Jesus Christ.

Prayer for Thursday of the 2nd Week of Easter

Dear God, may we find the courage to obey Your commands and live according to Your will, even when it may be difficult or unpopular. Help us to trust in Jesus Christ as our Savior and Lord, and to believe in him as the way to eternal life. Amen.

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?

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

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

The main message is about obeying God over humans. The Apostles continue to teach about Jesus, even though they were told not to. This shows us we should follow God's commands, even when it's hard or when others disagree.

What does the Gospel for Thursday of the 2nd Week of Easter teach us?

The Gospel teaches that Jesus, who comes from heaven, knows more than anyone on earth. He talks about God's truth. When we believe in Jesus, we are saying yes to what God tells us. This belief can lead us to eternal life.

How can I apply the lessons from Thursday of the 2nd Week of Easter to my life?

You can apply these lessons by choosing to follow God's way, even when it's not popular or easy. Also, trust in the teachings of Jesus and the Church, knowing they guide us to truth and eternal life.

Why is obedience to God highlighted in the readings for Thursday of the 2nd Week of Easter?

Obedience to God is important because it shows our trust and faith in Him. The readings remind us that God's way is the best way, even when it conflicts with what people around us might say or do.

What does the Gospel say about the Holy Spirit on Thursday of the 2nd Week of Easter?

The Gospel doesn't talk directly about the Holy Spirit in the verses for Thursday of the 2nd Week of Easter, but it shows that Jesus has the full power of the Holy Spirit. This means He can teach us everything we need to know about God and how to live.

How does the theme of conflict between divine and earthly authorities play out in the readings?

This theme shows up when the Apostles decide to preach about Jesus even though the authorities told them not to. It teaches us that following God might sometimes mean not following human rules or expectations.

What is eternal life, as mentioned in the Gospel for Thursday of the 2nd Week of Easter?

Eternal life is the life with God that lasts forever. It's what Jesus promises to those who believe in Him and accept His teachings. This life is not just about living forever but living with God's love and joy.