May 09, 2025 Friday of the Third Week of Easter
Daily Readings: Acts 9: 1-20; John 6: 52-59
The story of Saul’s conversion on the road to Damascus is one of the most dramatic narratives in the New Testament. Saul, a fierce persecutor of Christians, encounters the Risen Christ and is completely transformed. This powerfully reminds us that no one is beyond God’s reach. The encounter leaves Saul blind, vulnerable, and dependent on others. Before Saul could become Paul, he first had to be broken and healed.
Ananias’ role in this transformation is equally significant. Despite his fear, he obeys God’s command, welcomes “Brother Saul,” and becomes a channel of healing and acceptance. The Risen Christ calls Saul into a new mission: “You will be told what you must do” (Acts 9:6). Saul’s transformation leads him to become the apostle to the Gentiles. This passage challenges us to examine our own “roads to Damascus,” where the Risen Christ still waits for us—as He did for both Saul and Ananias. We are called to embrace even our enemies with love and courage.
In today’s Gospel, the crowd questions Jesus: “How can this man give us his flesh to eat?” (John 6:52). Jesus responds with a bold declaration that His flesh is true food and His blood is true drink. His teaching challenges us to move beyond human reasoning, inviting us into intimate union with His very life. The Eucharist thus becomes a real participation in Jesus’ sacrificial love. Just as the body needs food to survive, our souls need the Bread of Life to truly live.
Another important point is that the Jews argue among themselves about Jesus’ statement. Their slowness to believe prevents them from reaching any understanding. Likewise, in today’s world, we often find that trust in relationships is fragile and hard to rebuild. As the father of the possessed boy once pleaded with Jesus, let us also say: “Lord, help my unbelief” (Mark 9:24).
Call to Action for Catholic Living:
- Are there areas in your life where you might be opposing God’s work without realizing it?
- Do you approach the Eucharist with faith and devotion, recognizing the real presence of Jesus?
Radio Veritas Asia (RVA), a media platform of the Catholic Church, aims to share Christ. RVA started in 1969 as a continental Catholic radio station to serve Asian countries in their respective local language, thus earning the tag “the Voice of Asian Christianity.” Responding to the emerging context, RVA embraced media platforms to connect with the global Asian audience via its 21 language websites and various social media platforms.
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