Lord Jesus, receive my Spirit

Acts 7:51-8:1, Jn 6:30-35. Today's first reading describes the martyrdom of Stephen like a re-enactment of the death of Jesus Christ on the cross. They were both accused of blasphemy and condemned to death by the Sanhedrin. At the point of death, Stephen prayed to God to receive his spirit and for the forgiveness of his executioners as Jesus did. Our faith assures us that when our death is linked to that of Jesus, it opens the gate to Heaven. At the death of Stephen, the small Christian community in Jerusalem were overwhelmed with sorrow and all except the Apostles scattered throughout Judea and Samaria. A devout Jew as Saul of Tarsus gave his full approval to stone a man he considered to be promoting heresy to death.

Amazingly, Stephen accepted his violent death peacefully, “filled with the Holy Spirit.” Although almost deafened by shouts of hatred, he did not answer anger with anger, nor curse those who cursed him. By the grace of God he rose above the violence of the mob. Self-possessed, he reasoned with his judges in the Sanhedrin. He trusted in God’s protection even when his accusers were gathering rocks for his execution. Finally, with his dying breath, Stephen handed himself over to the Lord Jesus. Just as Jesus said, “Father, into your hands I commend my spirit,” so Stephen prayed, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” The message is that the qualities of Jesus should be reproduced in us. The risen Lord continues to live in and through us and He wants us to live by the guidance of His Spirit. He invites us to receive Him as our bread of life.

May the Lord show us His mercy and may no evil desires prevail over us, for His glory and love dwell in our hearts! Amen!! Good morning, Peace be with you!!!