Wednesday of the 3rd Week of Easter

• First Reading – Acts 8:1b-8: A severe persecution of the Church in Jerusalem broke out, causing everyone except the Apostles to flee to the countryside of Judea and Samaria. Despite this persecution, those who were scattered continued to preach the word of God, and many were healed and converted in the city of Samaria through the teachings and signs of Philip.
• Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 66: Shout joyfully to God, all the earth; praise His glorious name. Marvel at His deeds, like turning the sea into dry land. Let’s celebrate His eternal, powerful rule.
• Gospel – John 6:35-40: Jesus proclaims that he is the bread of life and whoever comes to him will never go hungry or thirsty. He also states that those who believe in him and are given to him by the Father will be raised up on the last day to have eternal life.

For this is the will of my Father, that everyone who sees the Son and believes in him may have eternal life, and I shall raise him on the last day.

John 6:40

The readings for Wednesday of the 3rd Week of Easter focus on faith, perseverance, and the promises of Jesus. They remind us to trust in Jesus, even when challenges come, and to share His message with others.

• Persecution and Growth: The first reading shows how the early Christians faced persecution but continued to spread the Gospel. Their faith did not weaken; instead, it inspired others to believe.
• Joy in the Gospel: The people who heard Philip’s preaching responded with joy. The Good News brings hope and happiness to those who accept it with open hearts.
• Jesus’ Promise of Life: In the Gospel, Jesus promises eternal life to those who believe in Him. This promise is a source of hope and strength for all who follow Him.
• God’s Will to Save: Jesus reminds us that it is God’s will for all who believe to have eternal life. He shows us that God desires to bring everyone into His loving care.
• Faith Through Challenges: The early Christians trusted God even during persecution. Their example calls us to remain faithful when our own lives become difficult.
• The Bread of Life: Jesus declares that He is the Bread of Life, offering spiritual nourishment to all who come to Him. This invitation is a call to trust Him completely for what we need.

Wednesday of the 3rd Week of Easter reminds us that faith grows even during trials and that Jesus gives us hope through His promises. The readings encourage us to share the Gospel, trust in God’s care, and draw strength from the Bread of Life.

The readings for Wednesday of the 3rd Week of Easter invite us to find joy in the Gospel, trust in God’s desire to save us, and hold onto faith in difficult times. They remind us that God’s love is for everyone and that faith gives us strength to face challenges. These reflections help us see how the Good News changes our lives and calls us to share it with others.

The Joy of the Good News

The first reading for Wednesday of the 3rd Week of Easter shows the joy of those who heard Philip’s preaching. They were open to the message of Jesus, and their response was happiness and hope. The Gospel brought them peace and changed their lives.

The Good News still brings joy to those who welcome it. When we hear about Jesus’ love and promises, we find hope, even in hard times. This joy is not just for a moment but lasts when we keep trusting in Him.

The reading reminds us to share the Gospel with others. Just as Philip brought joy to a new city, we can bring hope to people around us. The Good News is a gift meant to be shared with everyone.

God’s Desire to Save All

The Gospel for Wednesday of the 3rd Week of Easter shows Jesus explaining God’s will for His people. God wants everyone who believes in Jesus to have eternal life. His love reaches out to all and invites us to be with Him forever.

This reminds us that God’s love is for everyone, no matter their background. He does not turn anyone away who comes to Him in faith. Jesus shows us that salvation is a gift offered to all people.

We can take comfort in knowing God desires our salvation. He cares deeply for each of us and invites us into His loving care. This also calls us to help others see His love and promises.

Faith During Challenges

Both the first reading and the Gospel for Wednesday of the 3rd Week of Easter show the importance of faith in difficult times. The Christians in the first reading faced persecution but continued to spread the Gospel. In the Gospel, Jesus offers the Bread of Life, calling people to trust in Him for eternal life.

Faith helps us stay strong when life is hard. The early Christians trusted God and shared His message, even though they were suffering. Their faith reminds us to keep going and believe that God can bring good from struggles.

Jesus’ promise of eternal life gives us hope when we face difficulties. He reminds us that our faith leads us to something greater than anything this world can offer. These readings encourage us to trust in Jesus, no matter what challenges come our way.

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The reflections for Wednesday of the 3rd Week of Easter encourage us to open our hearts to the message of Jesus. They remind us of God’s love and promises, even during struggles. May these reflections inspire us to grow in faith, trust in God, and share His message of hope with others.

Prayer

Lord, thank You for the hope and joy You give through the Good News. Help us trust in Your promises and share Your love with others. Give us strength to remain faithful in difficult times. Open our hearts to believe in You more each day. Amen.

Reflection Questions

• How does the joy of the Gospel give you hope in your daily life?
• What does it mean to you that God desires to save everyone?
• How can the example of the early Christians inspire your faith?
• What are some ways you can share the Good News with others?

Word on Fire: The Christified Person

Bishop Barron explains that in the Gospel for Wednesday of the 3rd Week of Easter, Jesus as the bread of life offers eternal life to believers. The Eucharist is seen by the Church Fathers as food that grants immortality, transforming and uniting the receiver with Christ in a real, not just symbolic, way.

This Real Presence in the Eucharist means those who partake in Communion are transformed, aligning their entire being with the eternal. This transformation makes worldly pursuits secondary, as life becomes an adventure with God, prioritizing spiritual over earthly treasures.

USCCB: The Bread of Life

In the Gospel for Wednesday of the 3rd Week of Easter, Jesus declares, “I am the bread of life,” promising that no one who comes to Him will hunger or thirst spiritually. Reflecting on this during the Easter season and recalling times of isolation, such as the Coronavirus pandemic’s early days, we are reminded of our spiritual union with Christ and each other. Despite external challenges, our faith and longing for the Eucharist draw us closer to the Lord, whose desire to nourish us surpasses our own.

Our spiritual hunger and thirst are satisfied by Jesus through His word and mercy, encouraging us to immerse ourselves in God’s word for sustenance.

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

The next date is Wednesday May 7, 2025.

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

The Mass readings for Wednesday May 7, 2025 are:
First Reading – Acts 8:1b-8: Spreading the Good News Through Persecution
Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 66: Shouts of Joy and Praise
Gospel – John 6:35-40: The Bread of Life

Why did the Christians scatter in the first reading for Wednesday of the 3rd Week of Easter?

Persecution forced the early Christians to leave their homes and spread to new areas. This scattering helped the Gospel reach more people and shows how God can bring good from hardship.

What was Philip doing in the first reading?

Philip was preaching the message of Jesus in a new city. His words and actions brought joy to many people who accepted the Gospel.

How did persecution help the Church grow?

When Christians scattered, they shared the Gospel wherever they went. This spread the faith to new places and strengthened the Church.

How can we apply the first reading to our lives?

We can share the message of Jesus with others, even when it feels hard. Trusting God in difficulties can lead to unexpected blessings.

What can we learn from the joy in the first reading?

The joy of the people reminds us that the Gospel brings hope and peace. When we trust in Jesus, we find real happiness.

Why does Jesus call Himself the Bread of Life in the Gospel for Wednesday of the 3rd Week of Easter?

Jesus is saying that He gives what we need to grow closer to God. He feeds our souls through faith and the Eucharist.

What does Jesus promise to those who believe in Him?

Jesus promises eternal life to all who trust in Him. He assures us that He will never reject anyone who comes to Him.

What does the Gospel mean by Jesus doing the Father’s will?

Jesus explains that His mission is to save those who believe in Him. He came to bring us life and keep us close to God.

How does the first reading relate to the Gospel for Wednesday of the 3rd Week of Easter?

Both show the power of faith to bring hope and life. Philip preaches with faith, and Jesus offers eternal life to those who believe.

How can we draw strength from Jesus as the Bread of Life?

We can turn to Him in prayer and the Eucharist for the help we need. Jesus gives us the spiritual strength to stay faithful and hopeful.