Tuesday of the Third Week of Easter

Today's Mass Readings

The title for this reflection, "Reading Scripture with Easter Eyes" may seem a bit odd if you've already read the Bible passages for today, since there are very few references to reading Scripture in today's passages, and the subtle references that are there (e.g., "You received thelaw" [Acts 7:53]; and "as it is written" [John 6:31]), don't seem to be the focus of the narratives. But I think the idea of reading, or re-reading, Scripture through eyes thathave been transformed through the Easter experience of the Risen Lord are important connections between today's first reading and the Gospel account.

In the first reading, we find St. Stephen who was Jewish long before he encountered Jesus and the apostles. At his death, which we read about today, St. Stephen recounted for his executioners salvation history, a history in the Old Testament scriptures with which his audience would have already been very familiar. The difference is that St. Stephen was reading this Old Testament history a new in the light of the risen Jesus, the Jesus of Easter. At the end of this passage, we encounter Saul, whom we shall meet again this Friday at the end of the week, when he is converted and realizes that Jesus is the Lord. We know this Saul as the apostle St. Paul.St. Paul, as we see again and again throughout all of the seasons of the liturgical year, re-reads the Old Testament he knew so well in light of the Easter experience of the Risen Lord. Finally, in today's Gospel reading, Jesus is attempting to show how the manna with which God fed the Israelites in the wilderness, recorded in theTorah, pointed to Himself. He is the true bread from heaven, the bread of life. This Eucharistic theme will be developed throughout this week, culminating this Friday and Saturday with His cleares teaching about His real presence in the Eucharist and the decision we all have to make concerning discipleship.

Since we are still early in the Easter Season, let's take some time toreally reflect on what Easter means for us in our own lives. How can we live differently, more in line with where Jesus wants us, in light of the Easter resurrection? When we read all of the readings, from both Old and New Testaments, this season, let's really try to read them through the eyes of faith, hope, and love, which so characterize the Easter season, for Christ is risen! Alleluia, Alleluia!

- Jeff Morrow