Friday of the 3rd Week of Easter
Friday May 9, 2025
Daily Mass Readings for Friday of the 3rd Week of Easter
- First Reading – Acts 9:1-20: While traveling to Damascus to persecute more Christians, Saul was struck down by a blinding light and heard a voice saying “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?” After the experience, Saul was converted to Christianity, his sight was restored, and he began to preach the Gospel, astonishing those who knew his previous reputation.
- Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 117: Praise the Lord and share the Good News of His kindness and fidelity to all nations and peoples.
- Gospel – John 6:52-59: Jesus tells a crowd of people that they must eat His flesh and drink His blood in order to have eternal life, causing confusion and disbelief among the listeners. Jesus emphasizes that His flesh and blood are true food and drink, and that whoever feeds on Him will have eternal life, because He is the bread that came down from heaven.
Amen, amen, I say to you, unless you eat the Flesh of the Son of Man and drink his Blood, you do not have life within you.
John 6:53
Themes for the Readings for Friday of the 3rd Week of Easter
The readings for Friday of the 3rd Week of Easter focus on conversion, the power of the Eucharist, and the call to share the Good News. They remind us that Jesus changes lives and offers His life to nourish us.
- Conversion and New Beginnings: In the first reading, Saul’s encounter with Jesus leads to a complete change in his life. This shows that no one is beyond God’s reach, and He can call anyone to follow Him.
- The Power of the Eucharist: In the Gospel, Jesus speaks about the importance of eating His flesh and drinking His blood. This points to the Eucharist as the source of spiritual strength and life.
- Obedience to God’s Call: Ananias obeys God by going to Saul, even though he is afraid. His trust shows how God works through those who listen and follow His will.
- Life Through Jesus: Jesus promises eternal life to those who take part in His body and blood. This reminds us that our true life is found in Him, not in the things of this world.
- Faith and Courage: Both Ananias and Saul show courage in their faith. Ananias reaches out to Saul in trust, and Saul boldly begins preaching about Jesus after his conversion.
- God’s Plan for Each of Us: Saul’s story shows that God has a purpose for every person. Even when we feel unworthy or far from Him, He can work in our lives for His glory.
Friday of the 3rd Week of Easter encourages us to trust in Jesus’ power to change lives and to rely on the Eucharist for strength. The readings remind us that God calls each of us to live out His plan with faith and courage.
Reflection for Friday of the 3rd Week of Easter
The readings for Friday of the 3rd Week of Easter show how faith can change lives and lead to action. Saul’s conversion reminds us that God has a purpose for each person, no matter their past. The Gospel calls us to trust in Jesus and find strength through the Eucharist. These reflections help us see how God invites us to grow in faith and live it out daily.
God’s Purpose for Everyone
The first reading for Friday of the 3rd Week of Easter shows how Saul’s life is completely changed by his encounter with Jesus. Saul, once a persecutor of Christians, becomes a powerful preacher of the Gospel. His story reminds us that God has a purpose for every person, no matter their past.
Even when we feel unworthy or distant from God, He calls us to follow Him. Saul’s conversion shows that God can use anyone to share His message and build His kingdom. He does not look at our mistakes but at our potential to do His work.
This reading challenges us to trust that God has a plan for us. We may not always see it clearly, but He invites us to listen to His call and take the next step in faith. Saul’s story encourages us to trust in God’s grace and believe that He can work through us for His glory.
The Power of the Eucharist
In the Gospel for Friday of the 3rd Week of Easter, Jesus speaks about the importance of eating His flesh and drinking His blood. He explains that this is the way to have eternal life. These words point to the Eucharist, where Jesus offers Himself to us as spiritual nourishment.
The Eucharist strengthens our faith and keeps us close to Jesus. It is not just a symbol but a real gift that helps us grow in our relationship with Him. When we receive the Eucharist, we are reminded of His sacrifice and His promise to remain with us always.
This teaching invites us to trust in Jesus’ words and come to Him with faith. The Eucharist is a way to stay connected to Him and draw strength for our daily lives. Jesus calls us to believe that He is truly present and to receive Him with open hearts.
Faith That Leads to Action
Both the first reading and the Gospel for Friday of the 3rd Week of Easter highlight the connection between faith and action. Saul’s encounter with Jesus leads him to completely change his life and begin preaching the Gospel. In the Gospel, Jesus calls people to take part in the Eucharist, an act of faith that strengthens their relationship with Him.
Faith is not just something we believe in our hearts; it is something we live out in our actions. Saul’s story shows how responding to God’s call can make a difference in the lives of others. The Gospel reminds us that participating in the Eucharist is an active way to deepen our faith and live as followers of Jesus.
These readings encourage us to take steps to act on what we believe. Whether it is sharing the Good News like Saul or coming to Jesus in the Eucharist, our faith grows stronger when we put it into practice. God invites us to trust Him and let our actions show our love for Him.
The reflections for Friday of the 3rd Week of Easter remind us to trust in God’s plans, rely on the Eucharist for spiritual strength, and act on our faith. May these lessons inspire us to listen to God’s call and live as His followers with courage and trust.
Prayer
Lord, thank You for calling us to follow You. Help us trust in Your plans and grow in faith. Teach us to rely on the Eucharist for strength and act on the faith You give us. May we share Your love with others each day. Amen.
Reflection Questions
- How does Saul’s story help you trust in God’s plan for your life?
- What does the Eucharist mean to you in your journey of faith?
- How can you act on your faith in daily life, like Saul did?
- What steps can you take to share God’s love with others this week?
Homilies and Commentaries for Friday of the 3rd Week of Easter
Word on Fire: Heavenly Food
On Friday of the 3rd Week of Easter, Bishop Barron reflects on Jesus’ statement about the necessity of eating His flesh and drinking His blood to have life. He emphasizes the literal and sacramental nature of these words, against a backdrop of initial revulsion and misunderstanding.
Bishop Barron highlights the Church’s teaching on the Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist, contrasting Jesus’ presence in other forms with His unique presence in the Eucharist, which is central to the faith and not to be metaphorically interpreted.
Questions and Answers for Friday of the 3rd Week of Easter
What date is Friday of the 3rd Week of Easter?
The next date is Friday May 9, 2025.
What are the Mass readings for Friday of the 3rd Week of Easter?
The Mass readings for Friday May 9, 2025 are:
First Reading – Acts 9:1-20: Saul’s Encounter with Christ
Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 117: A Hymn of Inclusivity
Gospel – John 6:52-59: Jesus’ Proclamation of Eucharistic Truth
Who was Saul, and why is his story important?
Saul was a man who persecuted Christians until he encountered Jesus on the road to Damascus. His story shows that anyone can change through God’s grace and become a powerful witness for the Gospel.
Why did Ananias hesitate to help Saul in the first reading for Friday of the 3rd Week of Easter?
Ananias knew Saul’s reputation as someone who harmed Christians, so he was afraid. However, God reassured him, and Ananias obeyed, trusting in God’s plan.
What can we learn from Saul’s conversion?
Saul’s conversion teaches us that no one is beyond God’s reach. It also shows that turning to God can completely change our lives for the better.
Why did Saul begin preaching right after his conversion in the first reading for Friday of the 3rd Week of Easter?
Saul’s encounter with Jesus changed his heart and gave him a clear mission. He wanted to tell others about Jesus and share the Good News.
What does Ananias’ obedience teach us?
Ananias shows that even when we are afraid, trusting God is always the right choice. God can work through us when we listen to Him and follow His call.
How can we apply Saul’s story to our lives?
Saul’s story reminds us to trust that God has a purpose for each of us. We can turn to Him for forgiveness and let Him guide our lives.
What does the first reading teach about God’s plan?
The first reading shows that God has a plan for everyone, even those who seem far from Him. It encourages us to trust in His power to bring good out of any situation.
Why does Jesus speak about eating His flesh and drinking His blood in the Gospel for Friday of the 3rd Week of Easter?
Jesus is pointing to the Eucharist, where we receive His body and blood. The Eucharist strengthens us spiritually and unites us with Him in a special way.
What does Jesus mean by eternal life in the Gospel?
Jesus is promising life with God forever to those who believe in Him and receive the Eucharist. He invites us to trust in Him for everything we need.
How does the Eucharist help us in our daily lives?
The Eucharist gives us the spiritual nourishment we need to stay strong in faith. It reminds us of Jesus’ sacrifice and His love for us.
Changed by Grace, Fed by Christ
The readings for Friday of the 3rd Week of Easter tell the story of Saul’s conversion and Jesus’ teaching about the Eucharist. Saul, a man who persecuted Christians, has a life-changing encounter with Jesus. With the help of Ananias, he begins a new journey of faith and becomes a bold preacher of the Gospel. His story reminds us that God can use anyone for His purposes.
In the Gospel, Jesus speaks about eating His flesh and drinking His blood. This teaching points to the Eucharist, where Jesus gives Himself to us as spiritual nourishment. He promises eternal life to those who receive Him and trust in His words. This shows the deep connection between faith in Jesus and the life He offers us.
Together, the readings encourage us to trust in God’s power to change lives and to rely on the Eucharist for strength. They call us to listen to Jesus, believe in His promises, and live as His followers with courage and faith.
Your Turn
The readings for Friday of the 3rd Week of Easter remind us of God’s power to change lives and the gift of the Eucharist. Reflect on how God has worked in your life and how the Eucharist strengthens you. Consider Saul’s conversion and think about ways to grow closer to Jesus.
Share your reflections in the comments below and encourage others in their faith journey. Let’s support one another in living out these messages.
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