In today’s first reading, we see St. Stephen zealously carrying out his work for the glory of God. St. Stephen did great miracles and wonders and he was full of wisdom and grace. In the presence of his persecutors in the Council who were giving false evidence, the face of St. Stephen appeared like that of an angel. How I wish I could have that same grace and zeal of St. Stephen, to stand before all those who may laugh at me for even trying to follow Christ. Those who chastise me as perhaps eccentric, as my life revolves around Christian spirituality: the inner responses, the patience and kindness, which are contradictory to the general norms. In the Gospel proclamation Jesus is telling the people of Capernaum to see and believe in the one whom God has sent and not to look for the short-term material or financial gains. No matter how many years we have been journeying with the Lord, don’t we still look for the material gain in the way we pray and hope? Do we follow Christ purely to enter eternal life, forsaking all else?

Prayer: Abba Father, help me to see beyond my daily bread to a greater life in eternity. Amen.