FRIDAY SECOND WEEK OF EASTER
SUFFERING IN THE HONOR OF JESUS' CHRIST NAME
They were glad to have had the honour of suffering humiliation for the sake of the name
One member of the Sanhedrin, a Pharisee called Gamaliel, who was a doctor of the Law and respected by the whole people, stood up and asked to have the apostles taken outside for a time.
Then he addressed the Sanhedrin, ‘Men of Israel, be careful how you deal with these people. There was Theudas who became notorious not so long ago. He claimed to be someone important, and he even collected about four hundred followers; but when he was killed, all his followers scattered and that was the end of them. And then there was Judas the Galilean, at the time of the census, who attracted crowds of supporters; but he got killed too, and all his followers dispersed. What I suggest, therefore, is that you leave these men alone and let them go. If this enterprise, this movement of theirs, is of human origin it will break up of its own accord; but if it does in fact come from God you will not only be unable to destroy them, but you might find yourselves fighting against God.’
His advice was accepted; and they had the apostles called in, gave orders for them to be flogged, warned them not to speak in the name of Jesus and released them. And so they left the presence of the Sanhedrin glad to have had the honour of suffering humiliation for the sake of the name.
They preached every day both in the Temple and in private houses, and their proclamation of the Good News of Christ Jesus was never interrupted.
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 27
Gospel John 6:1-15 The feeding of the five thousand Reflections
Looking up, Jesus saw the crowds approaching and said to Philip, ‘Where can we buy some bread for these people to eat?’ He only said this to test Philip; he himself knew exactly what he was going to do. Philip answered, ‘Two hundred denarii would only buy enough to give them a small piece each.’ One of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, said, ‘There is a small boy here with five barley loaves and two fish; but what is that between so many?’
Jesus said to them, ‘Make the people sit down.’ There was plenty of grass there, and as many as five thousand men sat down. Then Jesus took the loaves, gave thanks, and gave them out to all who were sitting ready; he then did the same with the fish, giving out as much as was wanted. When they had eaten enough he said to the disciples, ‘Pick up the pieces left over, so that nothing gets wasted.’
So they picked them up, and filled twelve hampers with scraps left over from the meal of five barley loaves. The people, seeing this sign that he had given, said, ‘This really is the prophet who is to come into the world.’ Jesus, who could see they were about to come and take him by force and make him king, escaped back to the hills by himself.
My God, may your Holy Spirit guide me, direct my actions. Father instruct me on your mysteries, about spiritual things and the knowledge of your existence. May I never argue or deny their existence. Most especially the mystery of Chirst's birth, his death, his resurrection and salvation. Father give me insight and knowledge of you and your Son Jesus Christ.
Father increase my faith in the face of suffering and challenges. May I submit to your holy will, and offer them to you. May I willingly accept my share of suffering for my purification, sanctification and salvation. Father my provider I give you thanks for your Son Jesus Christ, the Bread of Life. Lord Jesus feed me. Make me generous. Make me humble.
Jesus I trust in you. Virgin Mary pray for me. Saint Joseph pray for me. My Angel Guardian pray for me. Protect me, guide and guard me. God's Holy Angels pray for me.
Pray the Holy Rosary: Ave Maria. Hail Mary. Hail Holy Queen. Blessed Virgin Mary bring us to your Son Jesus Christ our Lord and Saviour.
Your Birthday Saint: St. Catherine of Siena, Virgin and Doctor. May she pray for you as you celebrate your birthday.
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