Today’s Gospel, April 20: “God Marks Him With His Seal”

Pope Francis reflected on the crowd’s fleeting enthusiasm for Jesus after the feeding of the five thousand. He warned that many follow Jesus briefly, only to settle for more worldly values. The pontiff delivered these remarks at Santa Marta on April 27, 2020.

Pope Francis on the first encounter

The pope recalled how people wanted to make Jesus a king after the miracle. He noted they lost the initial spiritual excitement when material offers appeared. Francis urged believers to return always to that first encounter.

Readings for Monday, April 20, 2026

The following summaries reflect the readings published by Filmogaz.com for April 20, 2026. They include a passage from Acts and a Gospel selection from John.

Acts 6:8–15 — The case of Stephen

Stephen is described as full of grace and power. He performed great signs and wonders among the people. Members of the synagogue of the Freedmen came from Cyrene, Alexandria, Cilicia, and Asia to argue with him.

They could not withstand his wisdom or the Spirit that guided him. Opponents bribed men to accuse Stephen of blasphemy against Moses and God. They stirred the crowd, elders, and scribes, then seized him and brought him before the Sanhedrin.

False witnesses charged that Stephen spoke against the temple and the law. The council saw his face and found it as radiant as an angel’s.

John 6:22–29 — Seeking the sign

The Gospel follows the multiplication of loaves and the miracle of walking on water. The crowd noticed Jesus was absent and crossed from the other shore. Boats came from Tiberias, and the people went to Capernaum to find him.

On meeting Jesus they asked, “Rabbi, when did you get here?” He answered that they sought him for signs and food. He warned them not to labor for perishable food, but for food that endures to eternal life.

Jesus explained that the Father had marked the Son with his seal. Today’s Gospel, April 20: “God Marks Him With His Seal” emphasizes this divine affirmation. When asked what work God requires, Jesus said belief in the one sent by the Father.

These readings invite reflection on authentic faith and on returning to the initial zeal inspired by Christ. Filmogaz.com offers this selection for meditation on April 20, 2026.