St. Stephen, our protomartyr, or first martyr who has the first feast day after Christmas is preaching with wisdom. Many Jews are trying to trip him up but they can’t. So, like Jesus they make up false accusations and false witnesses and get him a date with the Sanhedrin. The number of Christians was growing so rapidly the Apostles had to lay their hands on deacons to help them do their work. St. Stephen was one of these men.
In the Gospel today, Jesus says, “Do not work for food that perishes but for the food that endures for eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you. For on Him the Father, God, has set his seal.” Jn 6:22-29
Why is the early Church growing so rapidly? Jesus is the Bread of Life! People are repenting and being baptized. They are receiving the Holy Spirit and God’s grace to fight their fallen human nature and the Devil’s evil schemes. They are breaking the bread and reading the Scriptures in their homes. Last, the Apostles are laying hands on those worthy to take on the task of serving the people. We see the sacraments, outward signs of God’s grace, radiant among the first Christians. The best part about it is we still have them and receive them today. Are you on fire with the Spirit? Are you being a missionary in your home, school, community? It is what you were called to do, don’t fight it or run away from it, but embrace it!
Christian YOLO
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