May 9, 2011
Monday of the Third Week of Easter
Now Stephen, filled with grace and power, was working great wonders and signs among the people. Certain members of the so-called Synagogue of Freedmen, Cyrenians, and Alexandrians, and people from Cilicia and Asia, came forward and debated with Stephen, but they could not withstand the wisdom and the spirit with which he spoke. Acts 6:8-10
Jesus answered them and said, "Amen, amen, I say to you, you are looking for me not because you saw signs but because you ate the loaves and were filled. Do not work for food that perishes but for the food that endures for eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you. For on him the Father, God, has set his seal." John 6:26-27
Piety
Father, help us to accomplish your work through belief in the One you sent to free us from our sins, diversions and distractions.
Jesus, help us to focus on your Words and works so that we might continue to be your hands in this world.
Holy Spirit, pour forth the virtues of prudence, justice, temperance and fortitude so that we might to continue on in these works even though we too might be pulled away from that work by the world and persecuted for our efforts. Amen.
Study
In Sunday’s Gospel, we studied the “walk to Emmaus” passage. In it, the disciples did not recognize Jesus until they shared in the “breaking of the bread.” After that encounter, they realized how moved they were that Jesus had “broken” open the scriptures for their understanding.
In follow-up, Jesus reveals today in the passage from John that once our hearts and minds and bodies and souls have been filled with this bread of life, that we will continually seek a fresh encounter with him. All other external signs may seem important, yet it is this internal experience that overtakes all the miracles because it touches our hearts in a special way.
Action
Consider the food that you will eat today and bear in mind the warning from today’s Gospel. Do not work for food that perishes but for the food that endures for eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you.
As you mindfully eat breakfast, lunch and dinner today, be mindful of the banquet which you shared yesterday at Mass (or today if you attend daily Mass). The bread that was broken in Emmaus on Easter Sunday is the same bread that you shared. The Word that was opened for you there is the same Word that was revealed to those famous walkers.
Our experience does not end with the Mass and the Eucharist. It must continue to accomplish the work of God in our actions as we go forth to love and serve the Lord. How will your actions today pursue that aim as well?
