Breaking the Word

3^rd week in Easter Time, Wednesday – 17^th April 2024 – Acts 8,1-8; Jn 6,35-40

Spreading Joy in Persecution

In the first reading, after the death of Stephen, the early church faces persecution. The focus now shifts from Jerusalem to the other towns of Judea and into Samaria. The Spirit is moving the church outward and causes an increase in numbers. While the Apostles remained in Jerusalem during the persecution, Philip, one of the Seven Hellenist deacons, took the Word of God to the region of Samaria and proclaimed the good news about the Messiah-Christ. He worked great signs: he drove out the evil spirits and healed the paralyzed and crippled. Signs like these were done by Jesus to bring the people to faith in him as the Messiah. In like manner, Philip accomplished similar works and sought to bring people to encounter Jesus. He became a full-blown evangelist. The result was that the people, who heard the good news and witnessed the miracles, were filled with great joy. The Spirit causes joy as the church spreads out in the midst of persecution.

3^rd week in Easter Time, Tuesday – 16^th April 2024 – Acts 7,51-8,1; Jn 6,30-35

Man of Integrity

The first reading presents an account of the martyrdom of Stephen. He is the first Christian martyr. As he faces his death, Stephen places himself into the hands of God. As a Spirit-filled individual and a man of faith and wisdom, he knows the cost of giving witness. In his final speech, Stephen reflects on the role of the prophets of old. They were persecuted by unfaithful Jews. He calls those who have arrested him as “uncircumcised in heart and ears.” Although they are physically circumcised, their behaviour is more like the uncircumcised pagans around them. They were resisting the spirit of God, who spoke through Moses and the prophets. As a man of integrity, Stephen is willing to take on the role of the prophet and to give witness to the relationship that God wants to establish with those who believe in the Lord Jesus.  As he dies, Stephen follows the example of his Lord. He surrenders his life into God’s hands. He also prays and forgives for his executioners. He had the vision of God in glory totally accepting Jesus. He challenged the authorities with his debates and preaching.