Greetings on this the Tuesday of the Third Week of Easter
Readings: Acts 7:51—8:1a; Psalm 31:3cd-4, 6 and 7b and 8a, 17 and 21ab; John 6:30-35
Summary
A late day reflection.
Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life;
whoever comes to me will never hunger,
and whoever believes in me will never thirst.”
(Jn 6:35).
Reflection
People hunger and thirst for love.
We can expand that word Love to be: inclusion, relevence, mutuality, presence, tenderness, providing, and gentleness.
I see it reveled often, in the most unlikely places and in the most unlikely moment. Even when I do not expect to witness it.
Just when I think ‘that relationship is lost’ or ‘I don’t see how they navigate that problem’…. this bread of life – love – provides for the hunger and the thirst.
Then we have Stephen. Who can see what we cannot.
Stephen said, “Behold, I see the heavens opened
and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.”
The leaders were like me – thinking this is all wrong – won’t work.
But they cried out in a loud voice,
covered their ears, and rushed upon him together.
They threw him out of the city, and began to stone him.
But people want – thirst for and are hungry for true love.
As they were stoning Stephen, he called out,
“Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.”
Then he fell to his knees and cried out in a loud voice,
“Lord, do not hold this sin against them”;
and when he said this, he fell asleep.
Saul, who at that moment, saw no redemption in Stephen’s relationship.
Until he did.
Until his own thirst for love made him ready to meet the Lord as he was nearing Damascus (The Book of Acts just outside of our view today).
Personal Reflection
My reflection may be abstract for you. That’s ok. I cannot describe the scenes and moments due to ‘The Seal’ and the privacy. But they are there.
My hope for you?
Don’t suppress your hunger and thirst for love.
Find love – in the Bread of Life.
Sacred Readings full text: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/042126.cfm
Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry