May they be One

Acts 7:55-60, Rev. 22:12-14.16-17.20, Jn 17:20-26. On this Seventh Sunday of Easter Year C, the Church challenges us to replenish our spiritual energy by bearing witness to Christ. Today's first reading, recalls the story of the death of Stephen; the first Christian martyr. The Jewish authorities at the time accused him of blasphemy for preaching about the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ and hatched a plan to stone him to death. In the narrative, we learn that Stephen was filled with the Holy Spirit and looking up to Heaven; he saw the glory of God and Jesus standing at the right hand of God.

Today's Gospel on the other hand tells us about the priestly prayer of Jesus which focuses on our oneness and the need for divine provision and protection. The Gospel starts with Jesus looking up to Heaven. There is something about looking up that we must learn from the liturgy of the word, especially following the Ascension of our Lord into Heaven which left the Apostles gazing up towards Heaven (Acts 1:10). Looking up means redirecting our attention; changing our focus from a lower region to a higher one in prayer. We need both work and prayer in our lives. Remember what Jesus said to Martha who was busy serving Him while Mary sat listening at His feet, “Martha, Martha, you worry and fret about so many things and yet few are needed, indeed only one. It is Mary who has chosen the better part and it shall not be taken from her” (Luke 10:41-42). If we do not pray everyday, there is a huge void in our lives and we cannot hope to be happy.

May the Lord pour out His Holy Spirit on us that we may be better witnesses to Him in our families and places of work! Amen!! Good morning and happy Sunday!!!