Day 57

In light of today’s Gospel reading, we see that Stephen is full of the “food that endures for eternal life” (John 6:27). I have too often consumed the unsatisfying “food” offered to us by our culture, which has fueled my addictions and unhealthy attachments in the past. Today is a reminder to stop feeding on the food that doesn’t bring life and, instead, on the spiritual food that does. Let us take advantage of the benefits offered to us when we feed on the heavenly food of silent prayer, the Eucharist, and the Word of God that allows us to shine like angels.

Reflection Questions

• How often do you allow temporary satisfactions to cloud your judgment and prevent right action? How can you remove some of these unhealthy “foods” from your life?
• What spiritual practice or sacrament can you partake in more during this Easter season?

Daily Mass Readings

First Reading: Acts 6:8-15
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 119:23-24, 26-27, 29-30
Gospel: John 6:22-29

Reflection by Aaron W.

(1268-1317) — Agnes was born to Italian nobility near Montepulciano, Italy, then part of the Papal States. By nine years old Agnes convinced her parents to let her enter a Franciscan monastery. She was made prioress of a monastery in Proceno at 15, receiving special permission from the pope to be made so. 15 years later, Agnes returned to Montepulciano to found a Dominican monastery and serve as its abbess until her death at 49 years old. She was devoted to the Blessed Sacrament, had a deep prayer life, and was a mystic and a miracle worker. Agnes was also a peacemaker between warring families in Italy. She is said to have been a great inspiration for Saint Catherine of Siena.

Being a mystic and miracle worker may not be something many of us can comprehend, but one simple lesson we learn from her life is how to lead by example. In recovery, we guide the newcomer by our example. How are you giving witness to a way of life that the still-suffering can be inspired by?

“Jesus alone is enough. Let Him be your joy, your strength, and your reward” (Saint Agnes of Montepulciano).

Reflection by Brad Farmer