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.

For Monday of the 3rd Week of Easter, the readings share important lessons for us:

• Standing Strong - Being brave in showing and living our belief in God, like Stephen, even when others do not agree or treat us unfairly.
• God's Help - God gives us special strength to do good and show others His love, as seen through Stephen's amazing actions.
• Food for the Soul - Jesus teaches us to care more about feeding our soul with faith and love for God than just taking care of our body.
• Trusting Jesus - We believe in Jesus because He is the one God sent to us, and this belief is what God wants from us.

These points help us think about how to be brave in our faith, accept God's help, focus on what really feeds us, and trust in Jesus. They are good to remember and follow during Monday of the 3rd Week of Easter.

In the readings for Monday of the 3rd Week of Easter, we are reminded of the importance of bearing witness to Christ through our words and actions.

In the first reading from Acts, we hear about Stephen, one of the first deacons in the early Church. Stephen was full of grace and power, and he performed great wonders and signs among the people. However, not everyone was receptive to his message. Some opposed him and brought false charges against him, accusing him of blasphemy against Moses and God.

Despite the opposition and false accusations, Stephen did not waver in his faith. He remained steadfast in his conviction that Jesus was the Son of God and the promised Messiah. He defended himself against the accusations by recounting the history of God's people and showing how it pointed to Jesus. He was ultimately stoned to death for his faith, becoming the Church's first martyr.

In the Gospel reading from John, we hear about the crowds who followed Jesus after he had fed them with the loaves and fishes. They were seeking more signs and wonders from him, but Jesus challenges them to seek something deeper. He tells them that the work of God is to believe in him whom God has sent.

Both readings remind us that our faith in Jesus Christ requires us to be bold witnesses to the Gospel message. Like Stephen, we may face opposition and persecution for our beliefs, but we must remain steadfast in our conviction that Jesus is the Son of God and the Savior of the world. Like the crowds in the Gospel, we may be tempted to seek signs and wonders as proof of God's presence in our lives, but Jesus calls us to a deeper faith, one that is rooted in a personal relationship with him.

As Catholics, we are called to live out our faith in all aspects of our lives, bearing witness to Christ through our words and actions. Let us pray for the grace to be faithful witnesses to the Gospel message, even in the face of opposition and persecution. May our lives be a reflection of the love and mercy of Jesus Christ, who gave his life for us so that we may have eternal life.

Prayer for Monday of the 3rd Week of Easter

Gracious God, help us to be bold witnesses to the Gospel message, even in the face of opposition and persecution. May our lives be a reflection of your love and mercy, and may we seek a deeper faith rooted in a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Amen.

Word on Fire: The Bread That Satisfies

Bishop Robert Barron reflects on the Gospel for Monday of the 3rd Week of Easter where Jesus tells a crowd seeking miracles to seek the bread that lasts for eternal life, not just earthly food. This teaches us that while ordinary bread fills our physical hunger, only Jesus, the bread of life, can satisfy our deepest spiritual needs and prepare us for eternal life. This idea of being transformed through the Eucharist into beings ready for heaven is a key point, reminding us of the importance of spiritual over physical sustenance.

USCCB Reflection: Deep Connections

This USCCB video reflection for Monday of the 3rd Week of Easter uses a personal story about refusing offerings from friends to highlight a deeper message: like the crowd following Jesus for more miracles, we should seek spiritual nourishment over physical desires. Jesus encourages us to focus on eternal values, urging us to deepen our discipleship through belief in Him and commitment to prayer, reflection, and living the Church's teachings. This call to deeper faith and action challenges us to become authentic disciples, prioritizing spiritual growth and genuine relationships over temporary gains.

What date is Monday of the 3rd Week of Easter?

What are the Mass readings for Monday of the 3rd Week of Easter?

The Mass readings for Monday May 5, 2025 are:
First Reading - Acts 6:8-15: The Bold Witness of Stephen
Responsorial Psalm - Psalm 119: Delighting in God's Word
Gospel - John 6:22-29: Seeking the Eternal

Why is Stephen important in the first reading for Monday of the 3rd Week of Easter?

Stephen is important because he shows us how to stand strong in our faith, even when faced with opposition. His story teaches us about bravery and trusting in God's help.

What does Jesus mean by "food that endures for eternal life"?

Jesus is talking about spiritual food, not physical food. This means things like faith, love, and trust in God, which help our soul and bring us closer to eternal life with God.

How can I witness to my faith like Stephen?

You can witness to your faith by living according to God's teachings, helping others, speaking about your faith when you have the chance, and staying faithful during tough times.

Why does Jesus want us to work for spiritual food?

Jesus wants us to focus on spiritual food because it leads to eternal life. He teaches that while physical food is important, caring for our soul and our relationship with God is even more important.

What does it mean to believe in Jesus as mentioned in the Gospel for Monday of the 3rd Week of Easter?

To believe in Jesus means to trust in Him, accept Him as the Son of God, and follow His teachings. It's about having faith that He is who He says He is and letting that belief guide how you live.