St Luke makes a point of naming the origins of Stephen's accusers. Is this because the native Palestinians were more receptive to the words of the Apostles? Could it be that more of Christ's accusers were beginning to have second thoughts? The Sanhedrin have soon dropped the wise advice of Gamaliel . The Holy Spirit supports Stephen and this strengthens his words. We too need to accept the Holy Spirit and not to be afraid to speak up for the teaching of Christ. We cannot let The World teach us how to behave; our teacher is God.

Dear Lord let your Son and the Holy Spirit be our example and strength as we face the nonsense that is considered by the world to be right behaviour. Protect us and your priests from sin.

Jesus makes it crystal clear that he is our Saviour. We must believe and act as he does. This is crystal clear but....I don't like the "buts " that come into my mind when faced with the hard sayings of Jesus. We must show our faith by acting in the way he does. I must believe and know that God's plan has won for me the saving grace of Jesus and the support of the Holy Spirit. The only thing working against me is my will and weakness of faith.

Dear Lord I pray that today I may keep your words to the front of my mind. I must try to act as you do.Help me God.