Reflection for April 21 Tuesday of the Third Week of Easter: John 6:30-35

Gospel: John 6:30-35

The crowd said to Jesus: “What sign can you do, that we may see and believe in you? What can you do? Our ancestors ate manna in the desert, as it is written:

He gave them bread from heaven to eat.” So Jesus said to them, “Amen, amen, I say to you, it was not Moses who gave the bread from heaven; my Father gives you the true bread from heaven. For the bread of God is that which comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.” 

So they said to Jesus, “Sir, give us this bread always.” Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me will never hunger, and whoever believes in me will never thirst.”

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Reflection:

Would we be willing to give our very lives for Jesus?

In the first reading, we witness the powerful and moving testimony of Stephen—a man whose faith in Jesus remained unwavering even in the face of death. He could have chosen silence to save his life, yet he chose instead to boldly proclaim his love for the Lord. Because of this, he was stoned to death.

As we reflect on Stephen’s witness, we are invited to look into our own hearts. His sacrifice may seem far beyond what is asked of us, yet it reveals a deeper truth about our discipleship. To follow Jesus is to love Him above all else—to the point that we are willing to offer not only a part of our lives, but even our very selves.

In our daily lives, we may not face persecution that threatens our physical life, but we are not exempt from trials. Our faith is tested in quieter, yet equally challenging ways—through temptations of the flesh, through suffering, through disappointments, and through unexpected hardships. In these moments, we are gently but firmly asked: will we remain faithful, or will we turn away?

There are times when following Jesus feels difficult. We may grow tired, discouraged, or distracted by the many voices of the world that promise comfort, pleasure, and ease. At times, we may even find ourselves drifting, choosing what is convenient rather than what is right.

Yet deep within us, we know that true life is found only in Jesus. When we choose Him, even in sacrifice, we choose love, truth, and lasting joy. When we turn away, we risk losing the very peace our hearts long for.

Stephen’s life reminds us that faith is not merely spoken—it is lived, proven, and sometimes purified through suffering. His courage challenges us, his love inspires us, and his witness calls us higher.

When our faith is tested in the ordinary and extraordinary moments of our lives, will we choose to remain faithful to Jesus—even if it costs us comfort, security, or even everything?—Marino J. Dasmarinas