Short Homily - Monday of the Third Week of Easter

✝️ Theme: "Work for the Bread that Endures"

📖 

  • Acts 6:8-15 – Stephen, full of grace and power, faces opposition.

  • Psalm 119:23-24, 26-27, 29-30 – Blessed are they who follow the law of the Lord.

  • Matthew 4:4b – One does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.

  • John 6:22-29 – Work for the food that endures for eternal life.


In a fast-paced world, we often chase after quick wins and instant satisfaction. But Jesus invites us today to go deeper — to hunger for what gives lasting joy and meaning.

A young man once prayed: “Lord, if I get this job, I’ll come to church every Sunday.” He got the job — and soon vanished. When asked why, he replied, “I’m working hard… to thank God for the job.” Ironically, he forgot to thank the Giver!

In John 6, Jesus challenges the crowd who follow Him just for another free meal. He says: “Do not work for food that perishes, but for food that endures.” That “food” is Himself — the Bread of Life.

In Acts 6, Stephen shows what it means to feed on God’s Word — so deeply rooted in Christ that not even threats shake him. His peace, his courage, come from the Bread that endures.

Psalm 119 reminds us: God’s Word is our delight and counsel. In a world of noise and quick fixes, it grounds us.

The Eucharist

Every Mass is a meal of endurance — Christ feeding us not just for today, but for forever. In a country where meals bring people together, the Eucharist is our Ubuntu — our shared life in Christ.

Question for Reflection

  • Am I chasing after things that perish, or am I hungry for eternal nourishment?

Daily Practical Application

  • Set aside a moment today to pray before work, school, or a meal. Ask Jesus: “Feed me with Your Word and Spirit.” Prioritise something eternal over something temporary.

If you’re jobless, struggling, or uncertain — remember, God sees more than your hustle. He values your heart. Even when there is no bread on the table, He offers grace that sustains.

What Can I Do During the Jubilee Year?

  • Be a bearer of hope. Feed someone spiritually — through kindness, encouragement, or just listening. 
  • Support someone struggling with meaning or faith.

We are pilgrims of hope — walking with Jesus, even when the road is uncertain. We don’t walk alone. We are fed together, in faith and in love.

Here in South Africa, we know that bread is not just food — it’s a symbol of dignity. As we feed others, we restore dignity and reflect the face of Christ.

Inspirational Quote

“Your soul is starving for something eternal — let God be your bread.”

Today, may we seek not just full stomachs, but full hearts. May we hunger for Jesus, the true Bread of Life.

Jesus, feed my heart with Your truth. Let me hunger for You more than for quick comforts. Bless my work, my journey, and my search for meaning. Amen.

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