Bishop Schlert’s Sunday Gospel Reflection:
“Moments after we hear the story of St. Stephen’s martyrdom in our first reading, we hear Jesus’ prayer in our Gospel that all the faithful may become one. Although this is not the chronological order of events, we can learn from the way our Church has paired these passages together. These combined readings invite us to pray with Jesus in response to the religious strife in the world, asking the Father that all may become one in Christ and know the infinite love of God for them.
Saul and his companions stoned Stephen out of a misguided and twisted desire to protect their own faith. Not only can we be inspired by Stephen’s heroic example in this scene, but we can also take the story as a reminder that hatred towards someone for what they believe is utterly contrary to God’s love. While I doubt any of us have literally stoned someone who diverted from our religion or opinions, have we done so in our hearts or with our words? What would Jesus, who prayed that all who believe in Him may become one, say to us in response? Yes, we should be ready to die like Stephen for the sake of our faith, but we should also never cause harm like Saul in the name of religious zeal.”
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Gospel Reflection: Seventh Sunday of Easter - AD Today
Stephen, filled with the Holy Spirit, looked up intently to heaven and saw the glory of God and Jesus standing at the right hand of God, and Stephen said, “Behold, I see the heavens opened and the Son of Man … Continue reading
