Tuesday of the 3rd Week of Easter

• First Reading – Acts 7:51-8:1a: The story of Stephen’s final speech and his stoning by the Jewish leaders, who reject and persecute the prophets, including Jesus, the righteous one.
• Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 31: I seek refuge in You, my stronghold. Trusting You with my spirit, I rejoice in Your mercy. Keep me safe from harm and guide me by Your light.
• Gospel – John 6:30-35: Challenged by the crowd for a sign, Jesus clarifies that the true bread from heaven, offering life to all, comes from His Father, not Moses. When the crowd asks for this bread, Jesus declares Himself as the bread of life, promising that those who come to Him will not hunger or thirst.

“I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me will never hunger, and whoever believes in me will never thirst.

John 6:35

The readings for Tuesday of the 3rd Week of Easter focus on themes of faith, resistance to God, and the Bread of Life. They show the response of people to God’s message and call us to reflect on how we trust in Jesus.

• Resistance to God’s Will: The first reading shows people rejecting the message of God. Stephen accuses them of stubborn hearts and unwillingness to obey the Holy Spirit.
• Faithfulness in Persecution: Stephen stands firm in his faith even as he faces death. His courage reminds us to trust God, especially when it is hard.
• Jesus as the Bread of Life: In the Gospel, Jesus declares that He is the Bread of Life. He invites people to believe in Him to have eternal life.
• Demanding Signs from God: The crowd in the Gospel asks for a sign even though Jesus had already done many miracles. This shows how easily we can doubt and fail to trust.
• God’s Promise of Eternal Life: Jesus promises to give life to those who believe in Him. He assures us that He will always provide what we need for our salvation.
• Witnessing to Faith: Stephen’s example of bold witness calls us to share our faith. Even in the face of rejection, we are called to stand firm in the truth.

Tuesday of the 3rd Week of Easter reminds us to examine our faith and trust in Jesus, even when it is difficult. It also calls us to be faithful witnesses of God’s love to others.

The readings for Tuesday of the 3rd Week of Easter challenge us to trust in Jesus and remain faithful to His message. They call us to examine our hearts, believe in Jesus as the Bread of Life, and grow in faith during difficult times. These themes help us reflect on our response to God’s call.

Rejecting God’s Message

The first reading for Tuesday of the 3rd Week of Easter shows Stephen accusing the people of rejecting God’s message. He calls them stubborn and unwilling to obey the Holy Spirit. They resist God, just as their ancestors did. Stephen’s bold words reveal their hardness of heart and refusal to change.

This rejection of God’s message reminds us of times when we ignore His call. God speaks to us in many ways, but we can be too focused on our own desires to listen. We may turn away from the truth because it challenges us or asks us to change.

Stephen’s words urge us to examine our hearts. Are we open to God’s voice, or do we resist it? This reading reminds us to ask the Holy Spirit for the courage to follow God’s will.

Jesus, the Bread of Life

The Gospel for Tuesday of the 3rd Week of Easter focuses on Jesus as the Bread of Life. The people ask for a sign, but Jesus invites them to believe in Him. He promises eternal life to those who come to Him. He also points to the gift of the Eucharist, where He gives Himself as true spiritual nourishment.

Jesus offers more than physical bread; He offers the food that sustains our souls. The Bread of Life is a promise of life with Him forever. The crowd struggles to understand, but Jesus calls them to faith and trust in His words.

We are reminded that Jesus is our source of strength and life. The Eucharist is a gift that deepens our faith and unites us with Him. When we trust in Jesus, we are nourished for our journey to eternal life.

Faith in Difficult Times

Both readings for Tuesday of the 3rd Week of Easter highlight the importance of faith during challenges. Stephen stands firm in his faith, even when faced with rejection and death. In the Gospel, Jesus calls the crowd to trust in Him, even when they do not understand. Faith becomes the key to staying close to God in difficult moments.

Stephen’s example shows us that faith gives us courage. He does not back down, even when the truth is met with anger. His witness reminds us that trusting God is worth the cost, even when it is hard.

In the Gospel, the crowd wants signs, but Jesus points to faith instead. Faith means trusting in Him, not just looking for proof. Both readings show that faith is about staying with God, especially when we face doubts or struggles.

These readings invite us to deepen our faith in every part of our lives. When challenges come, we can trust Jesus to strengthen us. Faith is a choice to rely on God and His promises, no matter what happens.

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The reflections for Tuesday of the 3rd Week of Easter remind us to listen to God’s voice and trust in His promises. They encourage us to rely on the Bread of Life and to hold onto our faith, even in challenges. May these reflections inspire us to grow closer to Jesus and live with hope.

Prayer

Lord Jesus, help us to trust in You as the Bread of Life. Open our hearts to hear Your voice and follow where You lead. Give us courage to remain faithful in difficult times. May we grow in faith and rely on You for strength. Amen.

Reflection Questions

• How do you respond when you hear God’s call in your life?
• What does Jesus as the Bread of Life mean to you?
• How can Stephen’s courage inspire you in your own faith?
• What steps can you take to grow in faith when facing challenges?

USCCB: What Have You Done for Me Lately?

This USCCB video reflection emphasizes trust in who Jesus is over understanding his actions or teachings.

The Gospel for Tuesday of the 3rd Week of Easter from John 6 begins Jesus’ discourse on the Eucharist. After feeding 5,000 people, Jesus crosses the Sea of Galilee. He tells the crowd he will give them the bread of life, explaining that unlike their ancestors who ate manna and died, those who eat the bread he will give will live forever.

This teaching puzzles many, leading some disciples to leave Jesus. However, when asked if they will leave too, Peter and the remaining apostles affirm their faith in Jesus, acknowledging him as the source of eternal life, despite not understanding his teaching.

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

The next date is Tuesday May 6, 2025.

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

The Mass readings for Tuesday May 6, 2025 are:
First Reading – Acts 7:51-8:1a: The Martyrdom of Stephen
Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 31: Trusting in God’s Mercy and Protection
Gospel – John 6:30-35: The Bread of Life

Why does Stephen call the people stubborn in the first reading for Tuesday of the 3rd Week of Easter?

Stephen is reminding the people that they are resisting God, just like their ancestors did. This helps us reflect on times when we may ignore God’s will in our own lives.

Why did Stephen face persecution?

Stephen was persecuted because he boldly spoke about Jesus. His example teaches us to stay faithful, even when others oppose us.

How can we apply Stephen’s courage to our lives?

We can be brave like Stephen by standing up for what we believe, even when it is hard. His example shows us that staying faithful to Jesus is worth it.

What does the first reading teach about listening to God?

It teaches that we need open hearts to hear God’s message. Ignoring Him can lead us away from what is right.

What does Jesus mean by being the Bread of Life in the Gospel for Tuesday of the 3rd Week of Easter?

Jesus is saying that He is the source of eternal life. When we believe in Him, He gives us what we need to live with God forever.

Why did the crowd ask Jesus for a sign?

The crowd wanted more proof even though Jesus had already done miracles. This reminds us to trust Him instead of always looking for signs.

What does eternal life mean in the Gospel for Tuesday of the 3rd Week of Easter?

Eternal life means living with God forever in heaven. Jesus promises this to everyone who believes in Him.

How does Jesus feed us as the Bread of Life?

Jesus feeds us spiritually through our faith and the Eucharist. This helps us grow closer to Him and stay strong in our journey to heaven.

Why is faith important in these readings for Tuesday of the 3rd Week of Easter?

Faith is the key to trusting God and receiving His promises. Both readings show how faith leads us to eternal life.

How can we grow in faith like Jesus asks in the Gospel for Tuesday of the 3rd Week of Easter?

We can pray, receive the sacraments, and trust God more each day. Believing in Jesus helps us follow Him and live with hope.