Monday of the 3rd Week of Easter
Monday April 20, 2026
Daily Mass Readings for Monday of the 3rd Week of Easter
- First Reading – Acts 6:8-15: Stephen, filled with grace and power, performed great wonders and signs among the people, but was falsely accused of blasphemy against Moses and God and brought before the Sanhedrin. Despite the false accusations, those present were awed by Stephen’s radiance, which shone like that of an angel.
- Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 119: Despite opposition, I delight in Your commands and seek Your teachings. Guide me in truth and let me live by Your laws, for this path brings me joy.
- Gospel – John 6:22-29: After Jesus miraculously fed five thousand men, the crowd searched for him the next day and found him on the other side of the sea. Jesus urged them to seek the food that endures for eternal life and told them that the work of God is to believe in him whom he has sent.
Upcoming dates: April 20, 2026, April 12, 2027, May 1, 2028, April 16, 2029, May 6, 2030, April 28, 2031, April 12, 2032, May 2, 2033
This is the work of God, that you believe in the one he sent.
John 6:29
Themes for the Readings for Monday of the 3rd Week of Easter
Monday of the 3rd Week of Easter encourages reflection on faith, truth, and the call to follow Jesus. The readings highlight the courage of Stephen and the teachings of Jesus, urging us to seek what truly matters in life.
- Witness Through Courage: Stephen boldly proclaims the truth of Jesus, even when facing opposition. His unwavering faith shows the strength found in trusting God’s plan.
- Faith Beyond Signs: Jesus calls the crowd to believe in Him, not just because of the signs He performs. This reminds us to trust in Jesus for who He is, not just for what He can do for us.
- Spiritual Over Material: Jesus challenges people to seek the bread that gives eternal life, rather than focusing only on material needs. This encourages us to prioritize our spiritual growth over earthly concerns.
- Living in Grace: Stephen’s face shines with peace and grace, even when falsely accused. This reflects the inner strength that comes from walking closely with God.
- Seeking God’s Work: Jesus explains that the work God desires is to believe in the One He has sent. This invites us to reflect on how our faith can shape our actions.
- Opposition to Truth: Stephen faces false accusations from those who resist the Gospel. This shows the challenge of standing for truth in a world that often rejects it.
Monday of the 3rd Week of Easter reminds us to live with courage and faith, trusting in Jesus and prioritizing what truly matters. By seeking the bread of life and standing firm in truth, we grow closer to God and live as His witnesses.
Reflective for Monday of the 3rd Week of Easter
The readings for Monday of the 3rd Week of Easter call us to reflect on faith, courage, and what it means to trust in God. In the first reading, Stephen’s peaceful courage shows the strength that comes from walking closely with God. The Gospel challenges us to seek Jesus as the bread of life, placing our focus on eternal truths rather than temporary concerns. These themes invite us to grow in faith and align our lives more closely with God’s will.
Strength in God’s Presence
In the first reading for Monday of the 3rd Week of Easter, Stephen’s face shines with peace and grace, even as he faces false accusations. His calm and radiant demeanor shows that his trust in God is unshaken, even in the most challenging moments. His connection to God fills him with strength that no earthly force can take away.
This example reminds us of the importance of staying close to God in our own lives. When we face trials or difficulties, it is easy to feel discouraged or overwhelmed. However, like Stephen, we can find peace by turning to God and trusting in His presence with us. His peace can sustain us, even in the face of challenges or opposition.
Monday of the 3rd Week of Easter invites us to reflect on how we handle difficulties in our own lives. Are we quick to worry or become upset, or do we turn to prayer and rely on God’s strength? Stephen’s example shows us that faith can bring calm and courage, no matter the circumstances.
Seeking What Lasts Forever
In the Gospel for Monday of the 3rd Week of Easter, Jesus calls the crowd to look beyond material needs and seek the bread that leads to eternal life. He reminds them that earthly concerns are temporary, but what He offers will last forever. His words challenge us to examine our priorities and consider what we are truly seeking in life.
Often, we can become focused on daily concerns, such as work, finances, or other responsibilities. While these are important, they can sometimes take up all our attention, leaving little room for our spiritual growth. Jesus encourages us to seek Him and trust that He will provide what we need.
Monday of the 3rd Week of Easter is an opportunity to reflect on what we value most in our lives. Are we making time for prayer, faith, and trust in God, or are we consumed by material worries? By seeking Jesus as the bread of life, we open ourselves to His guidance and nourishment, which sustains us in all areas of life.
Trusting in God’s Plan
Both the first reading and the Gospel for Monday of the 3rd Week of Easter show examples of trust in God’s plan. Stephen demonstrates unwavering faith in God’s purpose, even as he faces false accusations and opposition. In the Gospel, Jesus invites the crowd to place their trust in Him, the one sent by God, and to believe in His mission.
Trusting in God’s plan can be difficult when the way forward is unclear or when challenges arise. Like Stephen, we might face misunderstandings or opposition when we live out our faith. Jesus reminds us that faith is not always about understanding everything but about believing and trusting in God’s care for us.
Monday of the 3rd Week of Easter encourages us to reflect on how we respond to uncertainty. Are we willing to trust that God has a plan for us, even when we don’t see it fully? By placing our trust in Him, we can find peace and courage, knowing that He is always with us.
As we consider the reflections for Monday of the 3rd Week of Easter, let us ask how we can apply these lessons to our daily lives. By trusting in God, seeking His presence, and prioritizing what truly matters, we can deepen our relationship with Him and find strength for the journey of faith. May these reflections encourage us to walk in faith and courage, no matter the challenges we face.
Prayer
Lord, help us to trust in Your strength and guidance each day. Teach us to seek what truly matters and to find peace in Your presence. May we follow Stephen’s example of courage and believe in the bread of life You offer. Lead us always on the path of faith. Amen.
Reflection Questions
- How can you trust in God’s presence during difficult times?
- What does it mean to seek the bread that leads to eternal life in your daily life?
- How do you handle challenges to your faith, as Stephen did?
- In what ways can you shift your focus from material concerns to spiritual growth?
Homilies and Commentaries for Monday of the 3rd Week of Easter
More Than a Pool Friend
In the Gospel for Monday of the 3rd Week of Easter, Jesus challenges a crowd seeking him for another meal to go deeper in faith. He tells them to work for food that lasts and to believe in the one God has sent. This means not just following for comfort or convenience, but living a faith that shapes daily life and choices.
Msgr. James Vlaun reflects on how easy it is to become a casual follower—what he calls a “pool friend.” But Jesus invites us to lasting discipleship. This means staying committed to prayer, Mass, and actions that reflect our belief. Being a true disciple takes more than occasional moments of faith; it’s about living fully in rhythm with God.
Seek and You Will Find
In the gospel reading for Monday of the 3rd Week of Easter, the people go looking for Jesus after He had crossed to the other side of the sea. Jesus challenges their reasons for seeking Him, reminding them not to focus on earthly things that pass away, but to look for the food that brings eternal life. When they ask what they must do to do God’s work, Jesus tells them it begins with believing in the one God has sent.
Matthew Kelly reflects on the phrase “seeking Jesus” and asks how actively we are doing that in our own lives. Are we truly seeking Jesus in all areas of life, or only when it’s easy or convenient? The people in the gospel went out of their way to find Him. We are invited to have that same desire and persistence in our relationship with Jesus every day.
The Deeper Hunger
In this reflection for Monday of the 3rd Week of Easter, Sr. Angela Thanh Tran speaks about the crowd searching for Jesus after he fed them. Jesus challenges them to seek not just food for the body, but food that gives eternal life. He calls them to believe in the one God has sent. Jesus offers himself as the answer, a bridge between their needs and God’s truth.
Sr. Angela reminds us that being part of the body of Christ means choosing to live with love, truth, and integrity, even when it’s hard. It means staying connected, helping one another, and facing the brokenness within the Church without walking away. Our belief in Jesus invites us to hold space for each other’s struggles and to reflect God’s mercy in a divided world. Christ, broken for us, teaches us how to be one body that never gives up on love.
True Food for Eternal Life
The crowd that had seen the miracle of the loaves follows Jesus, hoping for more signs and wonders. But Jesus points out that they are only interested in being physically fed. He urges them to seek not perishable food, but the food that lasts for eternal life.
On this Monday of the 3rd Week of Easter, Bishop Barron reflects on Jesus’ call to desire the bread that truly satisfies—the bread of life. This heavenly bread does not just fill the stomach; it transforms the heart. When we receive the Eucharist, we are being made ready for eternal life, slowly changed and drawn into God’s life.
Questions and Answers for Monday of the 3rd Week of Easter
Why was Stephen brought before the council in the first reading for Monday of the 3rd Week of Easter?
Stephen was brought before the council because he boldly preached about Jesus. Some people opposed him and made false accusations against him.
What does Stephen’s shining face mean?
Stephen’s face shining with peace shows his closeness to God. It reminds us that living in faith can bring inner strength and grace, even in challenges.
How does Stephen’s courage apply to our lives in the readings for Monday of the 3rd Week of Easter?
Stephen’s courage reminds us to stand firm in our faith, even when others challenge or oppose us. It encourages us to trust God and share His message.
How can we respond to challenges like Stephen?
We can pray for courage and rely on God’s strength. Trusting in Him helps us face difficulties with faith and peace.
Why does Jesus call the crowd to seek the bread that gives eternal life in the Gospel for Monday of the 3rd Week of Easter?
Jesus teaches the crowd to focus on what lasts forever instead of temporary needs. He wants them to trust in Him as the true source of life.
What does Jesus mean by doing the work of God?
Jesus explains that doing God’s work means believing in the One He has sent. Faith in Jesus is at the heart of our relationship with God.
What is the message of the bread of life?
The bread of life represents Jesus, who offers eternal nourishment for our souls. This teaches us to seek Him as the source of lasting fulfillment, especially in the Eucharist.
What can we learn from the crowd’s misunderstanding of Jesus in the Gospel for Monday of the 3rd Week of Easter?
The crowd focuses on material needs, but Jesus invites them to seek spiritual fulfillment. This reminds us to prioritize our faith over worldly concerns.
How do the readings for Monday of the 3rd Week of Easter call us to live?
The readings encourage us to live with faith, courage, and a focus on eternal life. They remind us to trust in Jesus and seek His truth.
Courage and Faith in Following Jesus
Monday of the 3rd Week of Easter highlights the courage needed to live as followers of Jesus and the call to seek Him as the bread of life. In the first reading, Stephen stands firm in his faith, even when faced with opposition and false accusations. His peaceful appearance reflects his trust in God’s presence and strength.
The Gospel focuses on the crowd’s search for Jesus after the miracle of the loaves. Jesus reminds them to seek not just material satisfaction but the bread that leads to eternal life. He calls them to believe in Him as the one sent by God. This teaching challenges us to place our faith in Jesus above worldly concerns.
The readings show us the importance of living with courage and focusing on what truly matters. They encourage us to trust in Jesus and to share His message, even when faced with challenges.
Your Turn
Monday of the 3rd Week of Easter calls us to stand firm in faith and seek the bread of life in Jesus. How can you follow His call to trust and live with courage?
Reflect on the readings and share your thoughts in the comments. Let’s encourage one another in faith and hope.
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