It is 12th April 2016. The readings are from Acts 7:51-8:1; and the Gospel from John 6:30-35. We read and reflect the martyrdom of Stephen, who was stoned to death for blasphemy. Just like Jesus, Stephen was murdered without a trial. The death of Stephen had a great impact on Paul who was witnessing the killing. Even if people oppose us, we must stand for truth and for the Lord. At the end, we may lose our lives for truth, yet we will surely pull many more towards the truth. It is all about how we accept the truth and how we react to the suffering that attracts the others to the truth. Stephen surrendered his spirit and asked for forgiveness for those who killed him. His hunger for meeting Christ pushed him to this extent to offer his very life. The responsorial Psalm prays, “Into your hands, O Lord, I commend my spirit.” (Ps.30:6). The Gospel presents Jesus the Bread of life. People demanded for the bread by quoting Moses at the desert. Jesus corrected their belief on the true bread telling them that it was God who provided it not human. The manna was perishable and remained as a sign that pointed out Jesus, the Messiah, and the bread of life. “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.” (Jn.6:35). We all have a hunger which cannot be satisfied by this world and humanity. Our hunger gets satisfied only through our faith in Jesus. The spiritual hunger affects the entire person. Our hungry souls need Jesus. Hunger for love, peace, joy, health and security can be met only by nourishing the words of Jesus and being faithful to the Truth. May God bless you to believe in Jesus so as to have contentment in His providential care. Have a good day.