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We are repeatedly called to be filled by the Holy Spirit and to allow ourselves to
be guided by Him. Saint Stephen understood this. In fact he is the first martyr
of the Church. He understood clearly that we need to set our sights on Heaven
regardless of the prevailing views of society and we are called to do the same.
The interwoven nature of the Bible never ceases to amaze me.Many books writ-
ten by many different authors spanning thousands of years and yet the message,
theWord, is utterly consistent from Genesis through Revelation. In today’s Gos-
pel from Mathew Jesus tells his disciples:
“Do not worry about how you are to speak or what you are to say.You will be
given at that moment what you are to say. For it will not be you who speak but
the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.”
And then we see God deliver on His promise through Saint
Stephen in the Book of Acts:
“Stephen, filled with grace and power, was working great
wonders and signs among the people.”Many adversaries
“came forward and debated with Stephen, but they could
not withstand the wisdom and the spirit with which he
spoke.”
We are repeatedly called to be filled by the Holy Spirit and
to allow ourselves to be guided by Him. Saint Stephen un-
derstood this. In fact he is the first martyr of the Church. He
understood clearly that we need to set our sights on Heaven
regardless of the prevailing views of society and we are
called to do the same.
Prayer
God of mercy and judgment, thank you for your love,
which continually calls me to come closer to you. Help me
to see you and serve you in all those I meet, especially those
in need.