3rd Week of Easter : Monday 2nd May 2022

The crowd searched for Jesus. And Jesus answered them bluntly. They were looking for him, not because of the ‘signs’ that he was showing but because of the bread they had been given to eat. “Why work for this food that does not last?” asked Jesus. They had seen the things that Jesus had been doing but missed the deeper meaning behind the ‘signs’. And what is the deeper meaning of the “signs” that Jesus spoke about?

The answer lies in Jesus’ further response to their second question.

“What must we do if we are to do the works that God wants?’ asked those who stalked Jesus, hoping for more “food.” Jesus’s answer was forthright: “This is working for God: you must believe in the one He has sent.” Jesus is very clear. He wants us to believe in Him, accept His word, and follow His example.

St. Stephen exemplifies for us what “working for God” means. He is a man who believes in Jesus; accepts his word; and follows His example. His courageous stance before his detractors and accusers led to his martyrdom. He is the first martyr of the faith.

Let our reflection end with this prayer: (cf. Ps 119:     26-27).

Lord, I declare to You my ways, and You answer me.

Teach me Your ways in what I grasp in Your answer.

Show me the way of Your precepts,

That I may reflect on Your wonders.