First Reading: Acts 6:8-15
Psalm 119
Gospel: John 6:22-29

In our first reading, we hear the beginning of the account of the life and death of St. Stephen, the first martyr in the Church. This is all because he believed in the Resurrection of Jesus.  St Stephen professed his faith without fear of what would happen to him. He spoke the truth and did not change his story in the face of opposition.

In the Gospel, we have the first miracle leading up to the breaking of the bread, leading to the Eucharist. Jesus fed about five thousand people. He tells the disciples, "Do not work for the food that perishes but for the food that endures for eternal life". They ask him: “What must we do to perform the works of God?” Jesus tells them: "This is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom He has sent.”

In these difficult times, it is impossible for most of us to participate in the Eucharist and to eat the bread of life, but be strong like St. Stephen and believe that the time to partake will return. Everyday we priests celebrate the Mass for all the people of God: you are remembered daily in our Masses.

May God be with you and keep you safe at all times.
Fr. Tom