Readings:
Acts 7:51-8:1
Psalm 31:3-4,6,8,17,21
John 6:30-35
We don’t take kindly to corrections. It doesn’t matter if the one correcting is a friend or a stranger, a boss or a subordinate, a spouse or child or parent. We just don’t take kindly to it because somewhere in our minds we have written this unbreakable law that we know what we are doing. Sorry to break your heart but most of the time, you are not doing the right thing. I think it is because of the level of influence that social media has on us. The content we are consuming is changing us faster than we have control over. Because of this, you cannot see the truth of what you are doing—you need someone else (an extra eye) to help you confirm that what you are thinking is true, what you are doing is right and what you are saying is good. But what do we do instead? We fight back with defensive words. This can create a breach of trust and confidence and often you are left to your own devices.
The exchange between Stephen and the Jewish elders and scribes shows us what a failure to
listen and dialogue can lead to:
Anger and frustration.
Name-calling and distrust.
Bluntness with the truth (Stephen called them “stubborn” with “pagan hearts and ears”).
Resistance to the truth and eventually discord that ends in murder.
Stephen’s grievance is that his Jewish brothers are resisting the Holy Spirit. Conversion is impossible without surrendering to the Holy Spirit. Wherever truth, goodness and perfection are necessary, the Holy Spirit is at work. When we do not see truth, goodness and perfection, another power is at work in us. May the Holy Spirit reign over your life always in Jesus’ name.
The presence of the Holy Spirit softens our hearts to reason.
It makes us humble and receptive to the opinions of others.
The Holy Spirit leads us to daily conversion.
The Holy Spirit helps us see the good in others.
The Holy Spirit will ultimately lead us to Christ, who is Truth personified.
Jesus reveals himself as the Bread of Life. He wants us to be so united with Him through communion in His Body and Blood so that He becomes our sure guide through life’s changing terrain. This Bread of Life nourishes and disposes us to hear God’s voice in those who call us back to reason when we are straying. We must approach the sacred banquet, the Bread of Life, with clean hearts and an open mind and God will surely exceed our expectations through Christ our Lord. Amen.
JUDE-MARY OWOH
To surrender your life to Christ, say this prayer aloud. “Father, I acknowledge my sin against You. I repent and ask for forgiveness, in the name of Jesus. I surrender to the Lordship of Jesus. By the power of Your Holy Spirit, take control of my heart and lead me in Your path of righteousness. Thank you, Lord”.
If you said the prayer, Congratulations! Prayerfully look for a living church and report to the resident reverend, pastor or priest.
Prayer:
Bread of Life, feed and nourish me. Fill me with humility and wisdom. May I rest secure in You. Amen.
Bread of Life, Son of God, fill me with wisdom and humility. Nourish me with grace and strength to do all things well and to the glory of Your name. Amen.
May the love, peace and joy that the Risen Lord brings fill your life transform you into a true child of God and break the chains of sin and misfortune over your life and your family in Jesus' name. Amen.
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