Daily Catholic Lectio
Wed, 7 May ‘25
Third Week of Easter – Wednesday
Acts 8:1b–8. John 6:35–40
Persecution and Joy
Persecution for the Church, Joy for the City
The first reading begins with these sobering words: “On that day, a great persecution broke out against the Church in Jerusalem.” The early Church suffered threefold distress: persecution for their faith, expulsion from their homeland, and imprisonment.
Yet, the Church was not destroyed.
Those who were scattered did not remain silent or broken—they proclaimed the Good News wherever they went. They didn’t view their dispersion as a problem but as an opportunity to evangelize.
We witness here a powerful spirit of resilience.
Whatever hardship came their way, these early Christians endured it—and even rose stronger from it.
What was the source of this resilience?
It was their vision of faith. They looked beyond the pain of today to the joy of tomorrow. They saw the promise hidden behind the pain.
Even today, we too face rejection, misunderstanding, and opposition for our faith, convictions, or values. Like a flower blooming unseen in the fields, we are called to live fully, no matter the setting.
Hesitation, withdrawal, or retaliating against others only hold us back.
The reading concludes with hope: “And there was great joy in that city.”
Through the ministry of Philip the Deacon, the people received well-being, healing, and joy.
So even in our afflictions, we too can become bearers of joy to others—through our faithful endurance.
In the Gospel, Jesus says: “I have come not to do My own will but the will of Him who sent Me.” Often our personal desires conflict with God’s will. But like the early Christians, we are called to surrender to the divine plan.
Knowing and clinging to God’s will—this is our joy and strength.
Fr. Yesu Karunanidhi
Archdiocese of Madurai
Missionary of Mercy
Yesu Karunanidhi 
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