Jesus answered and said to them,
“This is the work of God,
that you believe in the one He sent.”
(John 6:29)
The work of God is to believe in the one He has sent. Salvation and right standing with God are not achieved through our works, but through faith in Jesus Christ. Just as bread sustains physical life, Jesus sustains spiritual life. Our deepest hunger and needs can only be satisfied in Him. Often, we seek Jesus hoping for material or temporal benefits, much like the crowd sought Jesus for more bread. Jesus encourages us to work for food that endures to eternal life, to have an eternal perspective, valuing what is everlasting over what is temporary. Let us seek Jesus for spiritual nourishment and eternal life, rather than merely for earthly comforts.
22 After Jesus had fed the five thousand men, his disciples saw him walking on the sea.] The next day, the crowd that remained across the sea saw that there had been only one boat there, and that Jesus had not gone along with his disciples in the boat, but only his disciples had left. 23 Other boats came from Tiberias near the place where they had eaten the bread when the Lord gave thanks. 24 When the crowd saw that neither Jesus nor his disciples were there, they themselves got into boats and came to Capernaum looking for Jesus. 25 And when they found him across the sea they said to him, “Rabbi, when did you get here?” 26 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. 27 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.” 28 So they said to him, “What can we do to accomplish the works of God?” 29 Jesus answered and said to them, “This is the work of God, that you believe in the one he sent.” (John 6:22-29)
In the divine script, a truth is penned, "The work of God is to believe in the one He has sent." Not by our deeds do we ascend, but through faith in Jesus Christ, our Savior, heaven-sent. As bread sustains the body's frame, so Jesus feeds our souls, ignites our inner flame. Our deepest needs, our hunger tame, in Him alone, we find our claim. We chase the world, its fleeting bread, seeking Jesus for wealth, for earthly stead. Yet, He calls us to a higher spread, for food that lasts, eternal life's thread. The temporal fades, the eternal stands, in His grace, by faith, not by our hands. Let's set our sights on unseen lands, where true life blooms, in Christ's commands. So seek we now, with hearts anew, Jesus, the Bread of Life, so true. For spiritual wealth, and life's bright hue, beyond the mortal veil, forever in view.
Lord Jesus, Bread of Life, to You we pray, Your work divine, in us display. To believe in You, the One sent from above, is the Father's will, His act of love. Not by our works do we find grace, but through faith in You, we see God's face. As bread sustains life day by day, You nourish our souls, You are The Way. Our deepest needs, our hungering hearts, in You, they're filled, Your peace imparts. The world entices us with fleeting gain, Yet, in Your presence, true life we attain. Teach us to labor for the food that lasts, for eternal treasures, not what fades fast. May our perspective be ever so high, valuing the everlasting, on You we rely. Help us to seek You for more than just bread, for spiritual riches, by Your hand we're led. Nourish us, Lord, with eternal life, and in Your kingdom, end all strife. Amen.
God’s approval is paramount, even when facing human judgment. Godly character is foundational for a strong witness for Christ demonstrating qualities such as being full of the Holy Spirit, wisdom, faith, and grace. Opposition can come from unexpected places, and it’s important to respond with wisdom and not be swayed by false accusations. Despite opposition and false accusations, we should remain steadfast to stand firm in our faith and testimony, even in the face of adversity. We should serve faithfully in all tasks, big or small. What may seem like a small task, can have a very significant impact. We should proclaim the truth of the gospel with boldness despite the risks and prioritize the gospel over our personal safety or comfort. Let us live a life worthy of our calling, leaving a legacy that honors God.
8 Stephen, filled with grace and power, was working great wonders and signs among the people. 9 Certain members of the so-called Synagogue of Freedmen, Cyrenians, and Alexandrians, and people from Cilicia and Asia, came forward and debated with Stephen, 10 but they could not withstand the wisdom and the Spirit with which he spoke. 11 Then they instigated some men to say, “We have heard him speaking blasphemous words against Moses and God.” 12 They stirred up the people, the elders, and the scribes, accosted him, seized him, and brought him before the Sanhedrin. 13 They presented false witnesses who testified, “This man never stops saying things against this holy place and the law. 14 For we have heard him claim that this Jesus the Nazorean will destroy this place and change the customs that Moses handed down to us.” 15 All those who sat in the Sanhedrin looked intently at him and saw that his face was like the face of an angel. (Acts 6:8-15)
In courts of men, where judgments fall, God's favor stands, above them all. A character, both strong and kind, with Holy Spirit, heart, and mind. From places dark, where shadows dwell, comes opposition, fierce and fell. Yet wisdom's voice, so calm and clear, responds to falsehood without fear. Though accusations fly like darts, we stand unswayed, with steadfast hearts. For faith is more than just a claim, it's tested fire, it's golden flame. In service small, or tasks so grand, we work with willing heart and hand. For in each deed, the truth is sown, and by such seeds, His kingdom's grown. With boldness for the gospel's cause, we speak, not seeking man's applause. For safety's not our chief concern, but that His light through us might burn. So let us live, and let us love, with eyes fixed firmly on above. And leave a legacy, so bright, that honors God, and spreads His light.
Heavenly Father, who sees beyond human sight, grant us Your approval, Your divine light. For when we stand in judgment, may we be found, with character like Christ, on solid ground. Fill us with Your Spirit, wisdom, faith, and grace, that we may be strong witnesses in every place. When opposition comes, unexpected and fierce, help us respond with wisdom, Your Word to pierce. False accusations may seek to lead us astray, but let us remain steadfast in You, come what may. In trials and adversity, keep our testimony firm, for in the furnace of faith, true gold we affirm. In tasks great and small, may we serve with love, reflecting Your care from the heavens above. For even the smallest act can leave a mark, illuminating the world with a divine spark. Boldly we proclaim the gospel's truth, so dear, prioritizing Your kingdom, without fear. Comfort and safety, we willingly forsake, for the sake of the gospel, for Your name's sake. May our lives be worthy of the call we've received, leaving a legacy that in You, we believed. Honoring You in all that we do and say, this is our prayer, Lord, today and every day. Amen.
We need God’s guidance to navigate through life’s deceptions and we should remain true to His teachings. It is of utmost importance to always be transparent and honest in our relationship with God. A commitment to live by God’s standards rather than the world’s is a decision to follow the path of faithfulness and set one’s heart on God’s laws. Dedication to God’s law even in the face of slander requires us to always value divine wisdom over human opinion and to seek deeper knowledge of God’s precepts, which leads to a more profound appreciation of His works. Let us turn to Scripture for comfort and endurance.
23 Though princes meet and talk against me, your servant meditates on your statutes. 24 Yes, your decrees are my delight; they are my counselors. 26 I declared my ways, and you answered me; teach me your statutes. 27 Make me understand the way of your precepts, and I will meditate on your wondrous deeds. 29 Remove from me the way of falsehood, and favor me with your law. 30 The way of truth I have chosen; I have set your ordinances before me. (Psalm 119:23-24, 26-27, 29-30)
In life's vast maze, where falsehoods hide, we seek Your light, to be our guide. Your teachings true, our compass north, to keep us steadfast, as we go forth. With open hearts, before You, we stand, transparency in our every demand. Honest and true, in all our ways, living our lives, to Your praise. The world may beckon, with its siren call, but on Your path, we shall not fall. Faithfulness, our chosen route, in Your laws, our hearts take root. When slander strikes, like arrows flown, Your wisdom stands, it is our stone. Above mere mortals' fleeting views, Your eternal precepts, we shall choose. Deeper still, we yearn to know, the wonders of Your law to show. In every line, a treasure found, in every decree, Your love is bound. So to the Scripture, we will cling, for comfort, strength, it will bring. Endurance born from Your holy word, in Your promises, our hope is stirred.
Dear Lord, our Guide and truest Friend, in life's deceits, on You we depend. Your teachings light our path so clear, we follow, knowing You are near. With hearts open and spirits bare, in honesty, our souls we share. Transparent in our walk with You, seeking to be faithful and true. Against the world's alluring tide, in Your standards, we abide. A commitment deep, a choice so bold, to follow Your laws, and in Your love hold. When slander comes, as it may do, we cling to Your wisdom, pure and true. For human opinion may lead astray, but Your divine precepts show the way. In seeking knowledge of Your decrees, a deeper love for Your works we seize. A profound appreciation we gain, for the wonders of Your holy reign. To Scripture, we turn for our heart's console, for comfort and endurance, to make us whole. In Your Word, we find our strength renewed, with every verse, our faith is imbued. Amen.
Pericope:
Gospel |
II: The Book of Signs
THE BREAD OF LIFE DISCOURSE
John 6:22-59
First Reading
II: The Mission in Jerusalem
ACCUSATION AGAINST STEPHEN
Acts 6:8-15
Responsorial Psalm
The Fifth Book of Psalms 107-150
A PRAYER TO GOD, THE LAWGIVER
Psalm 119:17-48
Reflection Source:
Copilot
