The first reading today is a continuation of yesterday’s, and here we see what eventually happened to Stephen. In front of people who were against him, Stephen did not keep quiet. We see yesterday that he was calm and firm. But he was not timid. He did not back down. Instead, he testified on his faith. He was strong and held on to his faith, despite being surrounded by unbelievers and enemies. And when he was being stoned to death, just before he breathed his last, we see how peaceful and loving he was.
“Lord, do not hold this against them”
Inspite of the people wanting to kill him, he did not get angry with them. He even prayed to God not to hold it against the people. Very similar to Jesus praying just before he died “Father, forgive them for they do not know what they are doing.” This shows how much peace and love there is in their hearts. We see the genuine peace and love, that even in the last moments in this life, Stephen and Jesus radiated that peace and that love only God can give. This is because of their faith. This is because of their relationship with God. They know that proclaiming God and testifying to the faith is more important than peace and approval of people. Faith is more important than earthly life.
How do I react when faced with challenges. Do I succumb to these? Do I get pressured by powerful people and worldly pressures that I compromise my values? Or do I have a strong faith in God? How do I strengthen my relationship with Him?
May we also fill our lives with God’s peace and love, so that whatever we do, whatever situation we may be in, that peace and love may radiate in our lives.
Father God,
Thank you for today. Thank you for another day to live. Thank you for the inspiration and the reminder. Lord, Thank you for St Stephen, our first Martyr, who died peacefully and full of love. Sorry for the times I do not act like him. Sorry for giving in to pressure. Sorry for not having a strong faith in you. I pray that I may fill my life with your love. May I work to build my faith and strengthen my relationship with you, so that whatever situation I may be in, I may always radiate your authentic peace and love in my life and my faith always be firm. Amen.
Blessed Day!
In Christ,
-g-
Ps
See related reflection:
April 28, 2020
3rd Week of Easter - Tuesday; St. Peter Chanel
FIRST READING
Acts 7:51B8:1a
Stephen said to the people, the elders, and the scribes: “You stiff-necked people, uncircumcised in heart and ears, you always oppose the Holy Spirit; you are just like your ancestors. Which of the prophets did your ancestors not persecute? They put to death those who foretold the coming of the righteous one, whose betrayers and murderers you have now become. You received the law as transmitted by angels, but you did not observe it.”
When they heard this, they were infuriated, and they ground their teeth at him. But Stephen, filled with the Holy Spirit, looked up intently to heaven and saw the glory of God and Jesus standing at the right hand of God, and Stephen said, “Behold, I see the heavens opened and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.” But they cried out in a loud voice, covered their ears, and rushed upon him together. They threw him out of the city, and began to stone him. The witnesses laid down their cloaks at the feet of a young man named Saul. As they were stoning Stephen, he called out, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” Then he fell to his knees and cried out in a loud voice, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them”; and when he said this, he fell asleep.
Now Saul was consenting to his execution.
RESPONSORIAL PSALM
Psalm 31:3cd-4, 6 and 7b and 8a, 17 and 21ab
R. Into your hands, O Lord, I commend my spirit.
or:
R. Alleluia.
Be my rock of refuge, a stronghold to give me safety. You are my rock and my fortress; for your name’s sake you will lead and guide me.
R. Into your hands, O Lord, I commend my spirit.
or:
R. Alleluia.
Into your hands I commend my spirit; you will redeem me, O LORD, O faithful God. My trust is in the LORD; I will rejoice and be glad of your mercy.
R. Into your hands, O Lord, I commend my spirit.
or:
R. Alleluia.
Let your face shine upon your servant; save me in your kindness. You hide them in the shelter of your presence from the plottings of men.
R. Into your hands, O Lord, I commend my spirit.
or:
R. Alleluia.
ALLELUIA
John 6:35ab
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
I am the bread of life, says the Lord; whoever comes to me will never hunger.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
GOSPEL
John 6:30-35
The crowd said to Jesus: “What sign can you do, that we may see and believe in you? What can you do? Our ancestors ate manna in the desert, as it is written: He gave them bread from heaven to eat.” So Jesus said to them, AAmen, amen, I say to you, it was not Moses who gave the bread from heaven; my Father gives you the true bread from heaven. For the bread of God is that which comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.” So they said to Jesus, “Sir, give us this bread always.” Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me will never hunger, and whoever believes in me will never thirst.”
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