Saturday of the 3rd Week of Easter

• First Reading – Acts 9:31-42: The believers in the region of Judea, Galilee, and Samaria experienced peace and growth as they were encouraged by the Holy Spirit. Peter healed a paralyzed man in Lydda and brought a woman named Tabitha back to life in Joppa, causing many people to believe in the Lord.
• Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 116: How can I repay the Lord’s vast kindness? I’ll raise the cup of salvation, thank Him, fulfill my vows, and offer thanksgiving, acknowledging how precious His followers are to Him.
• Gospel – John 6:60-69: Many of Jesus’ disciples were having difficulty accepting his teaching about eating his flesh and drinking his blood, leading them to leave him. However, Peter affirmed his faith in Jesus as the Holy One of God, stating that he had come to believe and know that Jesus had the words of eternal life.

Master, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. 

John 6:68

The readings for Saturday of the 3rd Week of Easter focus on the growth of faith, the challenges of following Jesus, and the power of His words and works. They invite us to reflect on how we respond to Jesus’ call and the ways He strengthens and heals His people.

• Strengthening the Church: The first reading describes how the Church grew in peace and strength through faith in the Lord. This reminds us that God builds up His people even in challenging times.
• The Power of Healing: Peter’s healing of Aeneas and raising of Tabitha show the life-giving power of God’s works. These miracles brought hope and led many to believe in Jesus.
• Challenges in Following Jesus: In the Gospel, many disciples struggle with Jesus’ teachings and turn away. This reminds us that following Jesus can be hard, but faith helps us stay with Him.
• Trusting in Jesus’ Words: Peter declares that Jesus has the words of eternal life. This shows the importance of trusting what Jesus says, even when we don’t fully understand.
• Faith That Grows: The first reading highlights how the Church was strengthened and encouraged by the Holy Spirit. This reminds us that our faith grows when we trust in God’s guidance and support.
• Jesus as the Holy One of God: Peter’s response to Jesus in the Gospel acknowledges His unique role as the Savior. This encourages us to put our trust in Jesus, who alone brings eternal life.

Saturday of the 3rd Week of Easter reminds us to hold onto our faith in Jesus, especially when it feels difficult. The readings call us to trust in His words, follow His ways, and let Him build us up in love and hope.

The readings for Saturday of the 3rd Week of Easter focus on faith, trust, and perseverance. The early Church grew stronger through faith in the Lord, even during challenges. In the Gospel, Jesus’ teaching about the Eucharist tests His disciples’ faith, but Peter’s response shows trust and belief in Jesus as the Holy One of God. These reflections invite us to stay close to Jesus, even when His teachings are hard to understand.

The Church Grows in Peace and Strength

The first reading for Saturday of the 3rd Week of Easter describes how the early Church grew stronger through faith in the Lord. Despite challenges and persecution, the believers found peace and encouragement through the Holy Spirit. God was building them up as they trusted in Him and shared His message.

This reminds us that God strengthens His people even in difficult times. The early Church did not grow because everything was easy; it grew because they relied on God’s help. Their faith brought them closer together and gave them courage to continue their mission.

We are called to trust in God’s guidance and let Him work in our lives. When we face struggles, we can look to the example of the early Church. God’s Spirit is with us, building us up and giving us the strength to carry on.

The Challenge of the Eucharist

In the Gospel for Saturday of the 3rd Week of Easter, many disciples struggle with Jesus’ teachings about the Eucharist. His words about eating His flesh and drinking His blood were difficult for them to accept. Some turned away, showing that Jesus was not speaking in a metaphorical way.

This challenge reminds us that faith often requires trust beyond our understanding. The Eucharist is not just a symbol but a real gift that Jesus offers to His followers. Receiving the Eucharist is an act of faith where we trust in His words and believe in His presence.

Peter’s response in the Gospel is an example for us. Even though he may not have fully understood, he trusted Jesus and recognized Him as the Holy One of God. This faith calls us to stay close to Jesus, especially in the Eucharist, where He gives Himself to us.

Faith Through Hard Teachings

Both the first reading and the Gospel for Saturday of the 3rd Week of Easter highlight faith in challenging times. The early Church grew stronger through hardships, and Peter held onto his faith even when Jesus’ teachings were difficult to understand. Faith is not always easy, but it leads us closer to God.

The disciples who stayed with Jesus showed their willingness to trust Him, even without having all the answers. This kind of faith is what helps us grow. It strengthens us when we face doubts or struggles in our own lives.

The readings encourage us to remain faithful when our beliefs are tested. God is always working to build up our faith and guide us. When we trust Him, He leads us through challenges and helps us stay close to Him.

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The reflections for Saturday of the 3rd Week of Easter remind us to trust in God’s guidance and stay faithful to Jesus’ words. Whether in moments of doubt or challenges, He strengthens and builds us up. May we hold onto faith and rely on His presence in the Eucharist and in our daily lives.

Prayer

Lord, help us to trust You, even when Your teachings are hard to understand. Strengthen our faith like Peter and the early Church. Guide us to rely on Your words and Your presence in the Eucharist. May we always follow You with open hearts and willing spirits. Amen.

Reflection Questions

• How can you trust God to strengthen your faith during challenges?
• What does the Eucharist mean to you in your relationship with Jesus?
• How does Peter’s response in the Gospel inspire you to trust Jesus more?
• What lessons can you learn from the early Church about growing in faith?

Word on Fire: The Whole Point

On Saturday of the 3rd Week of Easter, Bishop Barron reflects on how Jesus’ teaching on the Eucharist caused division among His followers, as many left Him when He spoke of eating His flesh and drinking His blood.

This division mirrors the reactions to Jesus Himself, indicating the Eucharist’s profound and contentious nature throughout history. Yet, Peter’s response to Jesus, recognizing Him as the bearer of eternal life, is highlighted as the foundational Catholic response, emphasizing faith and commitment to Christ despite challenges or misunderstandings.

USCCB Reflection: Make Your Bed

The USCCB video reflection for Saturday of the 3rd Week of Easter draws inspiration from Admiral William McRaven’s advice to “start off by making your bed” as a step towards changing the world, linking it to the biblical story of Aeneas, whom Peter heals, telling him to “get up and make your bed.”

This narrative underscores the importance of starting each day with a purposeful action, reflecting the broader theme of the Easter season where the disciples actively build the church, highlighting the spirit’s life-giving power and the call to action in faith and service.

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

The next date is Saturday May 10, 2025.

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

The Mass readings for Saturday May 10, 2025 are:
First Reading – Acts 9:31-42: Peter’s Healing Ministry in Lydda and Sharon
Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 116: Gratitude for God’s Kindness
Gospel – John 6:60-69: Peter’s Confession of Faith in the Bread of Life

What does it mean that the Church was at peace and growing in the first reading for Saturday of the 3rd Week of Easter?

The first reading for Saturday of the 3rd Week of Easter shows the Church growing stronger in faith and unity. This happened because the believers trusted in God and followed the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

Why is Peter’s healing of Aeneas important?

Peter’s healing of Aeneas shows the power of God working through him. It also demonstrates how faith and healing can lead others to believe in Jesus.

Who was Tabitha, and why was her story included?

Tabitha was a disciple known for her good works and kindness. Peter’s raising of Tabitha from the dead shows that God’s power can bring new life and hope to His people.

How does the Holy Spirit help the Church grow?

The Holy Spirit encourages and strengthens believers, guiding them to live out their faith. The reading shows how God’s Spirit is always present to help His people grow in love and unity.

How can we apply the first reading for Saturday of the 3rd Week of Easter to our lives?

The first reading calls us to trust in God’s power to strengthen us and heal our wounds. Like the early Church, we can rely on the Holy Spirit to guide us through challenges.

What do the miracles in the first reading teach us about God’s work?

The miracles show that God’s work brings healing, hope, and new life. They remind us to trust in His power to change our lives and the lives of others.

What does Peter mean when he says Jesus has the words of eternal life?

Peter is saying that Jesus speaks the truth about how to live with God forever. This shows that trusting Jesus’ words leads to eternal life and hope.

Why did some disciples turn away from Jesus in the Gospel for Saturday of the 3rd Week of Easter?

Some disciples found Jesus’ teachings on the Eucharist too hard to accept. This reminds us that following Jesus can be challenging, but faith helps us trust Him even when it is difficult.

What can we learn from Peter’s response to Jesus in the Gospel?

Peter’s response teaches us to stay with Jesus, even when we face doubts or struggles. He reminds us that Jesus is the Savior who brings life and hope.

Why does the Gospel for Saturday of the 3rd Week of Easter emphasize Jesus as the Holy One of God?

The Gospel highlights that Jesus is set apart as the Savior who brings eternal life. This reminds us to put our faith in Him and follow His teachings.