Reflection
Monday of the Third Week of Easter
Acts 6:8-15
Ps 119:23-24, 26-27, 29-30
Jn 6:22-29
In the Acts of the Apostles, we are given snapshots of the young Church - its mission, its growth, and its early organization. Among these developments is the ordination of deacons, men appointed to serve the needs of the community so that the Apostles might devote themselves more fully to prayer and the ministry of the word. Stephen was among the first seven deacons upon whom the Apostles laid their hands. The office of the diaconate exists today; local bishops continue to ordain deacons (most of whom are married with families), who have completed rigorous studies and ultimately are assigned in support of priests, with both pastoral care and liturgical duties. Their contribution to the life of the Church, and the sacrifices they and their families make for this ministry, cannot be underestimated.
In today’s reading, Stephen is described as being filled with grace and power, performing great signs and wonders among the people. Unable to withstand his wisdom, his adversaries falsely accuse him of blasphemy. There is a bitter irony here, in that these accusations come from Hellenists - the very people Stephen had been commissioned to assist. Stirred up by false testimony, the people bring him before the Sanhedrin. Sound familiar? As we will hear later this week, Stephen becomes the first Christian martyr, imitating Christ in his suffering. In time, others will follow Stephen’s example of humility, holiness, and faithful endurance - and will themselves become martyrs for Christ.
In the Gospel reading, five thousand people have witnessed and benefited from the miracle of the multiplication of the loaves and fishes, yet despite this, they continue to question Jesus. He reminds them that they are seeking understanding through worldly eyes rather than through the eyes of faith. They were satisfied with bread that perishes, but now they are being called to believe in the bread that endures - bread from heaven, which is Jesus himself. In this moment, Jesus is preparing them to receive his revelation concerning the Eucharist.
Jesus also tells them that the work God desires is this: to believe in the one whom he has sent and upon whom he has set his seal. To accept that Jesus is the Son of God, sent by the Father, is an act of faith. During this Easter season, let us pray for a deepening of that faith and for the humility, holiness, and faithful endurance of Stephen.