Believe the Bread of Life

 The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today invite us to ponder how God is continuing to unfold salvation history in and through simple encounters – every day.

Daily Bread of Life

In the Reading from the Acts of the Apostles, Philip teaches the Ethiopian about Christ. 

* [8:26–40] In the account of the conversion of the Ethiopian eunuch, Luke adduces additional evidence to show that the spread of Christianity outside the confines of Judaism itself was in accord with the plan of God. He does not make clear whether the Ethiopian was originally a convert to Judaism or, as is more probable, a “God-fearer” (Acts 10:1), i.e., one who accepted Jewish monotheism and ethic and attended the synagogue but did not consider himself bound by other regulations such as circumcision and observance of the dietary laws. The story of his conversion to Christianity is given a strong supernatural cast by the introduction of an angel (Acts 8:26), instruction from the holy Spirit (Acts 8:29), and the strange removal of Philip from the scene (8:39).

* [8:27] The Candace: Candace is not a proper name here but the title of a Nubian queen.

* [8:30–34] Philip is brought alongside the carriage at the very moment when the Ethiopian is pondering the meaning of Is 53:7–8, a passage that Christianity, from its earliest origins, has applied to Jesus; cf. note on Acts 3:13.

* [8:37] The oldest and best manuscripts of Acts omit this verse, which is a Western text reading: “And Philip said, ‘If you believe with all your heart, you may.’ And he said in reply, ‘I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.’” (Acts of the Apostles, CHAPTER 8 | USCCB, n.d.)

Psalm 66 offers a sacrifice of thanksgiving.

* [Psalm 66] In the first part (Ps 66:1–12), the community praises God for powerful acts for Israel, both in the past (the exodus from Egypt and the entry into the land [Ps 66:6]) and in the present (deliverance from a recent but unspecified calamity [Ps 66:8–12]). In the second part (Ps 66:13–20), an individual from the rescued community fulfills a vow to offer a sacrifice of thanksgiving. As often in thanksgivings, the rescued person steps forward to teach the community what God has done (Ps 66:16–20). (Psalms, PSALM 66 | USCCB, n.d.)

The Gospel of John continues Jesus' “Bread of Life Discourse”.

* [6:35–59] Up to Jn 6:50 “bread of life” is a figure for God’s revelation in Jesus; in Jn 6:51–58, the eucharistic theme comes to the fore. There may thus be a break between Jn 6:50–51.

* [6:43] Murmuring: the word may reflect the Greek of Ex 16:2, 7–8. (John, CHAPTER 6 | USCCB, n.d.)

Gladyce Janky comments that their stories intersect because both say “yes” to God’s invitation. The outcome of their brief encounter is the first step toward the founding of the Ethiopian Christian Church that continues to exist today.

Neither Philip nor the eunuch knew the outcome of their work. It is only with the benefit of hindsight that I can see how important these individuals are within God’s story. There are two invitations I hear. First, take the time to notice how God is continuing to unfold salvation history in and through simple encounters – every day. The second is to recognize that I have a role to play in God’s plan. All that is required is to listen and to say “yes” when God initiates. (Janky, n.d.)

Don Schwager quotes “Studying the Scriptures with humility”, by Augustine of Hippo, 354-430 A.D.

"My ambition as a youth was to apply to the study of the Holy Scriptures all the refinement of dialectics. I did so, but without the humility of the true searcher. I was supposed to knock at the door so that it would open for me. Instead I was pushing it closed, trying to understand in pride what is only learned in humility. However, the all-merciful Lord lifted me up and kept me safe." (excerpt from Sermon 51,6) (Schwager, n.d.)

The Word Among Us Meditation on Acts 8:26-40 comments that these stories may seem extreme. But God loves to guide us as we strive to bring him to the world.

The Lord might guide you to do something “big” like Arlene or Philip. But every day, he will surely show you more ordinary opportunities to follow his lead and share his good news. So open your heart and listen for his promptings today.

“Jesus, help me to follow your lead today.” (Meditation on Acts 8:26-40, n.d.)

Friar Jude Winkler comments that we hear Philip is sent to the Gaza road and has a unique encounter with a ‘God fearer” who sympathizes with Jewish ways. The eunuch is reading from Deutero-Isaiah and the song of the suffering servant. Philip describes Jesus as the one being talked about. In Trito-Isaiah eunuchs are also fruitful in the land beyond the Jewish boundaries. John 6 proclaims Jesus as the Bread of Life. He is the bread. Accept Him and they will learn what the Father has intended. Emphasis initially is on teaching and learning presenting Jesus as Wisdom Incarnate in a connection to the Hebrew Testament. In the last verse, Jesus is proclaimed as flesh or “sarx” for the life of the world. In John, “sarx” is mostly positive. “The word became flesh”; Jesus is saying the Incarnation is continued in the Sacrament. Friar Jude notes, in John, we are marrying our God in matrimonial imagery.

Father Richard Rohr, OFM, draws on the wisdom of Scripture and tradition, and urges respect and recognition of God’s presence in the natural world. Thomas Aquinas (1225–1274), a Doctor of the Church, explained this theologically. Francis of Assisi knew it experientially.

How could humans think we were the only or even the main event? Not only did we think that Earth was the center of the universe; we were certain our human species was the only one that God really cared about. All of creation was just a stage set for the human drama. Normally that is called narcissism. We extracted the soul from everything else. Nature was simply here for our utilitarian purpose, to be used for our consumption. With this belief system, we entered into a state of profound alienation from our own surroundings. We no longer belonged to this world because there was nothing worth belonging to. It was no longer naturally sacred, deserving our reverence or respect. We could rape, plunder, and misuse the earth. We could torture animals and destroy ecosystems because we thought they had no inherent value. We acted as though we were fully in charge.

Every day we have opportunities to reconnect with God through an encounter with nature, whether an ordinary sunrise, a starling on a power line, a tree in a park, or a cloud in the sky. This spirituality doesn’t depend on education or belief. It almost entirely depends on our capacity for simple presence. Often those without formal education and “unbelievers” do this better than many educated, religious people. I have met many like this who put me to shame. (Rohr, n.d.)

We invite the Spirit to enlighten the experiences that highlight the Presence of Christ in our lives as bread for our journey.

References

Acts of the Apostles, CHAPTER 8 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved April 23, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/acts/8?26 

Janky, G. (n.d.). Daily Reflection. Creighton On Line Ministries. Retrieved April 23, 2026, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/daily-reflections/daily-reflection-april-23-2026 

John, CHAPTER 6 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved April 23, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/john/6?44 

Meditation on Acts 8:26-40. (n.d.). Word Among Us. Retrieved April 23, 2026, from https://wau.org/meditations/2026/04/23/1548784/ 

Psalms, PSALM 66 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved April 23, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/66?8 

Rohr, R. (n.d.). Daily Meditations — Center for Action and Contemplation. Center for Action and Contemplation. Retrieved April 23, 2026, from https://cac.org/daily-meditations/recognizing-gods-grace/ 

Schwager, D. (n.d.). If Anyone Eats of This Bread, He Will Live for Ever. Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations – Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved April 23, 2026, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/ 

Prayer Peace and Persecution

 The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today present the “Bread of Life” that is our source of peace when we endure persecution by living in Jesus Way.

Peace from Persecution

The Reading from The Acts of the Apostles describes the Persecution of the Church that initiates the mission of Philip in Samaria.

* [8:1] All were scattered…except the apostles: this observation leads some modern scholars to conclude that the persecution was limited to the Hellenist Christians and that the Hebrew Christians were not molested, perhaps because their attitude toward the law and temple was still more in line with that of their fellow Jews (see the charge leveled against the Hellenist Stephen in Acts 6:13–14). Whatever the facts, it appears that the Twelve took no public stand regarding Stephen’s position, choosing, instead, to await the development of events.

* [8:3] Saul…was trying to destroy the church: like Stephen, Saul was able to perceive that the Christian movement contained the seeds of doctrinal divergence from Judaism. A pupil of Gamaliel, according to Acts 22:3, and totally dedicated to the law as the way of salvation (Gal 1:13–14), Saul accepted the task of crushing the Christian movement, at least insofar as it detracted from the importance of the temple and the law. His vehement opposition to Christianity reveals how difficult it was for a Jew of his time to accept a messianism that differed so greatly from the general expectation. (Acts of the Apostles, CHAPTER 8 | USCCB, n.d.)

Psalm 66 praises God for powerful acts for Israel.

* [Psalm 66] In the first part (Ps 66:1–12), the community praises God for powerful acts for Israel, both in the past (the exodus from Egypt and the entry into the land [Ps 66:6]) and in the present (deliverance from a recent but unspecified calamity …

* [66:5–6] cf. the events described in Ex 14:1–15, 21; Jos 3:11–4:24 and Ps 114. (Psalms, PSALM 66 | USCCB, n.d.)

In the Gospel of John, up to Jn 6:50, “bread of life” is a figure for God’s revelation in Jesus;

* [6:35–59] Up to Jn 6:50 “bread of life” is a figure for God’s revelation in Jesus; in Jn 6:51–58, the eucharistic theme comes to the fore. There may thus be a break between Jn 6:50–51. (John, CHAPTER 6 | USCCB, n.d.)

Jane Stein comments that the early disciples teach us that faith is not a protected place; it is a movement outward, sometimes compelled by pain or loss. Each place of suffering becomes a new space for grace to unfold.

In the Gospel, Jesus identifies Himself as the Bread of Life—the one who satisfies all hunger and thirst. His words move us from an outward struggle to an inward promise. “Whoever comes to me will never hunger.” The same Spirit who scattered the disciples now gathers all who believe into communion with Christ. Here, joy is not the denial of suffering but the fruit of being united to the will of the Father, who desires that “none be lost” but have eternal life.

When I read these passages together, I sense a call to trust in God’s transforming purpose. Even in times of fear or uncertainty, the divine pattern holds: persecution leads to witness, hunger leads to fulfillment, loss leads to resurrection. The story of the early Church is our story too. Christ feeds us with His presence so that we, nourished by the Bread of Life, can bring joy to the cities and hearts we touch today.

Blessings and Happy Easter! (Stein, n.d.)

Don Schwager quotes “Possessing the Scriptures”, by Augustine of Hippo, 354-430 A.D.

"When you understand anything in the Scriptures, it is love that is manifesting itself to you. When you fail to understand, it is love that is hiding itself from you. Those, therefore, who possess charity possess both what is manifest in the divine words and what is hidden in them." (excerpt from Sermon 350,2) (Schwager, n.d.)

The Word Among Us Meditation on John 6:35-40 we can still struggle to understand and believe what Jesus says about his being the Bread of Life.

“Jesus, I believe that you are offering your very self—the gift of heavenly bread—to me. In faith I receive you, both at the altar and throughout my day. Help me to consume you at every moment. Help me to delight in knowing you. Help me to find in you the fulfillment of my longing for eternal life, with you and your Father and the Holy Spirit. This, Lord, is the food I long for. This is the only food that will satisfy my every hunger and thirst.”

“Lord, give me this Bread always!” (Meditation on John 6:35-40, n.d.)

Friar Jude Winkler comments that in Acts a great persecution is occuring in Jerusalem. The Hellenistic Jewish Christians fled. Philip acts to heal and exorcise evil. Many flee but instead Philip proclaims to the people in difficult times. We can use difficulty to reach out with empathy and kindness. We lighten their burden by carrying it with them. The Bread of Life discourse continues in the Gospel of John leading to the revelation of the Bread of Life as His Nature. Now He proclaims how much God loves us and if we embrace that we are one with Jesus and the Father we are acquiring communion with God. Friar Jude notes this is the vertical dimension of Eucharist.

Brian McLaren describes a favorite place in nature from his childhood. He honors the grief that arises when the places we have known and loved change.

Several years ago, I was in the old neighborhood again…. The trail was still there, but now it was broad and paved for bicycles. The wetland had disappeared…. As I sat on one of the benches and looked around, I was overcome by sweet grief for the delight I once enjoyed as a boy, a lost magic boys and girls today will never know, at least, not there….

I’m returning to this precious place in my memory, this sacred swampy ground. I’m appreciating it, praising it for what it was, all the more because it has been lost…. You have your lost places unknown to me. I have mine unknown to you. We could not protect them. But we do not let these good creations disappear only to be forgotten, unappreciated, unpraised, unlamented. Our love for them outlasts their existence. So together, we remember them in grief. We feel them more fully revealing themselves to us in their passing away….

Stay with grief long enough to feel its sweetness, long enough for the sweetness and grief to deepen our sensitivity to the exquisite agony and ecstasy that we call appreciation, praise, love … and life. (McLaren, n.d.)

We ponder the meaning to us of Christ as the “Bread of Life” and how our faith offers us hope that we are nourished by the vertical nature of our Communion to support the horizontal action to which we are commissioned as salt and light in the world.

References

Acts of the Apostles, CHAPTER 8 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved April 22, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/acts/8? 

John, CHAPTER 6 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved April 22, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/john/6? 

McLaren, B. (n.d.). Beauty, Memory, and Grief. Center for Action and Contemplation. Retrieved April 22, 2026, from https://cac.org/daily-meditations/beauty-memory-and-grief/ 

Meditation on John 6:35-40. (n.d.). Word Among Us. Retrieved April 22, 2026, from https://wau.org/meditations/2026/04/22/1548287/ 

Psalms, PSALM 66 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved April 22, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/66?1 

Schwager, D. (n.d.). I Will Raise You up at the Last Day. Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations – Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved April 22, 2026, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/ 

Stein, J. (n.d.). Daily Reflection. Creighton On Line Ministries. Retrieved April 22, 2026, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/daily-reflections/daily-reflection-april-22-2026