Readings: Acts 7:51-8:1, Ps. 31:3-4,6,8,17,21, John 6:30-35
“Jesus said to them, ‘I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.’” (John 6:35)*_
Today’s first reading concludes the story of St. Stephen, the first Christian Martyr. After the false witnesses spoke against him, Stephen was asked to defend himself before the Jewish Council. At this time, Christianity was not yet separated from Judaism. Christians were only identified as believers. Stephen reminded the Jews of how they had previously killed the prophets God sent to him and how they also killed Jesus Christ, the son of God. Recall that Peter said the same thing to the council in Acts 5:30-32. But for Gamaliel’s timely intervention, Peter and the other apostles would have been lynched. To add salt to injury, Stephen said: “I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing at the right hand of God.” (Acts 7:56). The council cast Stephen out of the city and stoned him to death. This brings us to today’s lessons:
1. Like Seeds Along the Roadside: The behaviour of the Jewish council reminds me of the Parable of the Sower. These Jews can be likened to the seed that fell along the road; they heard the Gospel, but they never believed it. As Jesus puts it: “The ones along the path are those who have heard; then the devil comes and takes away the word from their hearts, that they may not believe and be saved.” (Luke 8:12, Mark 4:4). Some people cannot listen or accept the truth. And if you dare to preach to them, their only response is hostility. Do you remember how Jesus Christ was bundled out of the Synagogue and taken to the brow of the hill on which their city was built? If Jesus had not miraculously slipped through the crowds that day, he would have been brutally murdered. (Cf. Luke 4:29-30). What was Jesus’ crime? He spoke the truth. He told them how foreigners (the widow of Zeraphath and Naaman) benefited from God while their people were left out because of their faithlessness.
2. Sometimes, It is better to be Silent: Wasn’t it too early for Stephen to show his gifts and talents? Why did he have to engage in theological debates? Having brought before the council, shouldn’t he have kept quiet like Jesus did before Herod? However, we cannot fault Stephen's actions since the scriptures report that Stephen was filled with the Holy Spirit before uttering these words. He spoke because the Holy Spirit wanted him to. Stephen was not afraid of death. On the other hand, let us note that silence is not necessarily a sign of timidity.
3. You Can Take the Whole World, But Give Me Jesus: Today’s Gospel passage continues the conversation Jesus had with those who wanted Him to repeat the miracle of the loaves. Jesus explained to them that the miracle was only a sign, a pointer to the fact that God is truly a provider and is willing to feed us as He fed the Israelites with manna. Jesus taught that while the manna was earthly food (never satisfies), the bread from heaven truly satisfies. The people said: “Give us this bread always.” Jesus replied: “I am the bread of life; he who comes to me shall not hunger, and he who believes in me shall never thirst.” (John 6:35). In other words, to have Jesus is better than having the whole world. No wonder St. Augustine said: “Our hearts are restless until they rest in God.” Only Jesus can give us true satisfaction. Stephen was not afraid of dying because He knew he had Jesus.
4. Do Not Wish Evil on Anyone: While Stephen was stoned, he prayed: “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” Stephen, like Jesus, did not wish evil for his persecutors. The next verse says: “And he knelt and cried with a loud voice, ‘Lord, do not hold this sin against them.’ And when he had said this, he fell asleep.” (Acts 7:60). Christians nowadays are too quick to issue curses whenever they feel hurt by others; many even visit occult places to revenge. The idea of forgiveness has become strange to us who claim to be imitators of Jesus Christ who prayed: “Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.” (Luke 23:34)
Let us pray: Almighty, ever-living God, make me realise how much I need you. Through Jesus Christ, Our Lord. Amen
Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. God bless you. (Tuesday of the 3rd week of Eastertide. Bible Study: Acts 7:51-8:1, Ps. 31:3-4,6,8,17,21, John 6:30-35).
@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu