16 April 2018
Monday in the Third Week of Easter
In our first reading we hear of how the disciples, Stephen in particular, were treated as they preached the Paschal Mystery of Jesus’ death and Resurrection. First, some come to debate with Stephen. When they cannot out debate him, they decide to bear false witness about his preaching. This week we will be considering the conditions in which the Resurrection is preached. They are not the peaceful conditions we might instinctually think of because the Risen Lord comes to bring peace and joy. Rather, it is precisely in conditions of strong opposition and difficulty and suffering that Christ our crucified and Risen Lord is preached and His peace and joy communicated to those who come to believe in Him.
What is the reaction of St. Stephen to this opposition? Does he complain about those lying about him? Does he display impatient indignation? Does he look for revenge? “All who sat in the Sanhedrin looked intently at him and saw that his face was like the face of an angel.” (Acts 6:15) In the face of calumny and hate, how could Stephen show such tranquility? Perhaps he could meditate one the words of the Psalmist, “Though princes meet and talk against me, your servant meditates on your statutes.” (Ps 119:23) When our focus is fixed upon the Lord, when He and His words occupy our thoughts far more than the words of those who speak against His Word, then we too will experience the angelic peace and joy which Stephen enjoyed, even a short time before dying at the hands of those who falsely accused him.
What is a primary step to living as the Psalmist and as Stephen? Our Lord tells us as He told the crowds: “Do not work for the food that perishes…” (Jn 6:27) If we wish to have room in our hearts and minds for the Peace and Joy of the Resurrection, then we must not try to fill them with what does not satisfy, with what perishes. Today, let us ask ourselves, what am I overly focused on, particularly what trials am I going through right now, which prevent me from paying attention to the Lord and the joy He wishes me to have? Answering such a question helps begin our work for the “food that endures for eternal life.” (Jn 6:27)