02/05/2022

Stephen is chosen to be the first to die for the new faith. What does it mean to die for the faith? I try to imagine the situation he found himself in. He was preaching in the Temple. He was a Jew albeit a native speaker of Greek rather than Aramaic. He had followed Jesus' deeds for the previous three years. He had been among those who had seen the risen Lord. He had been chosen to be a helper of the Apostles. He had learned to pray in the way that Jesus has taught. He believed in the one sent by God. This was the faith he knew.

There were many more who in the first months after the Resurrection joined with the Apostles in the Temple and then joined together for the meal at which they honoured the memory of Our Lord and God. They underwent no long formation. As Jews they knew the Scriptures as Jews they expected the return of the Lord. Stephen could not be defeated by the words of the Sanhedrin so he was taken out and stoned to death.

Jesus tells the crowds who have chased after him that they have come in search of more free food. What were the signs that they had not seen? We think of his miracles as signs of his Divinity. He is Father Son and Holy Spirit. What were the other signs that the crowds had missed? Have I missed them too?

Dear Lord I am still searching for a way to be what you have willed for me to become. I hope that as I try to undrestand your words and deeds I am pleasing to you and not just swelling my own ego. May  your mother and all the saints in heaven help me and mine by their prayers and in the light of their virtues let me see how lowly and undeserving I am.