Catholic Mass Readings and Reflection April 22, 2026

22nd April 2026 (Wednesday)

Psalter: Week 3

Readings of the Day

First Reading: Acts 8:1b-8

There arose on that day a great persecution against the church in Jerusalem, and they were all scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles. Devout men buried Stephen and made great lamentation over him. But Saul was ravaging the church, and entering house after house, he dragged off men and women and committed them to prison. Now those who were scattered went about preaching the word. Philip went down to the city of Samaria and proclaimed to them the Christ. And the crowds with one accord paid attention to what was being said by Philip, when they heard him and saw the signs that he did. For unclean spirits, crying out with a loud voice, came out of many who had them, and many who were paralyzed or lame were healed. So there was much joy in that city.

Psalm 66:1-3a, 4-5, 6-7a (R. 1)

R/. Cry out with joy to God, all the earth.

Gospel Acclamation

V/. Alleluia

R/. Alleluia

V/. Everyone who believes in the Son shall have eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day, says the Lord.

R/. Alleluia

Gospel: John 6:35-40

At that time: Jesus said to the crowds, “I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst. But I said to you that you have seen me and yet do not believe. All that the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never cast out. For I have come down from heaven, not to do my own will but the will of him who sent me. And this is the will of him who sent me, that I should lose nothing of all that he has given me, but raise it up on the last day. For this is the will of my Father, that everyone who looks on the Son and believes in him should have eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day.”

Daily Gospel Reflection

Wednesday – 3rd Week of Easter

Main Point: The path to following Christ will be fraught with difficulties and tribulations. However, nothing can eradicate faith or prevent God’s rule from expanding.

1. The history of the church’s founding and the growth of religion is fascinating and contradictory. The church expanded as persecution increased. The followers remained fearless and unwavering the more they were frightened. Their unity in a single religion and goal became stronger as they became more dispersed.

2. Despite their wounds, they helped others recover. While incarcerated, they freed others from the bonds of sin. Despite being disparaged and ridiculed, they restored others’ dignity.

3. All of this is a result of their clinging to and faith in the Lord. When he said, “I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst,” they were both hungry and thirsty for him.

4. Jesus made it very clear why he was coming. That is to carry out the will of the Father who sent him, not his own. Furthermore, the Father’s desire is to acquire everyone in order to provide them everlasting life, not to lose anybody. The believers and followers are that priceless acquisition. They get everlasting life and the gift of faith.

5. The disciples and the apostles were certain of their purpose and calling. Their only concern was to have faith in the Lord and to emulate him in their mission and way of life. In order to ensure that no one would die, they would so continuously work to get everything for the Lord.

My Practice: The Lord makes it very evident that it is God’s intention for no one to be lost. However, being lost demonstrates unequivocally that rejecting the life that God offers is a free decision. Because God never turns away anybody.