Today’s Catholic Reflection
In Acts, Stephen speaks to the people. He tells them they are stubborn and resist the Holy Spirit, just like their ancestors. He reminds them that their forebears persecuted the prophets who spoke of the Messiah. They have betrayed and killed him. This speech angers the crowd, and they attack Stephen violently. Filled with the Holy Spirit, he sees a vision of God and Jesus in heaven. As they stone him, he prays for their forgiveness and entrusts his spirit to Jesus.
In the Gospel of John, the crowd asks Jesus for a sign to believe in him. They remember how their ancestors received manna in the desert. Jesus explains that it was. He now offers the true bread from heaven that gives life to the world. The crowd expresses their desire for this bread. Jesus declares himself the bread of life, promising that those who come to him will never hunger or thirst.