Reflection
People can be so blind. Sometimes we cannot see what is right in front of us. In the first reading, St. Stephen chastises the people. They had been given the right information by prophets and angels, but they would not believe. They denied the prophecies. They put the prophets to death. When Stephen reminds them that those prophecies were fulfilled, they get so angry they stone him to death.
Given the hard heartedness of their history with prophecy, Stephen probably knew they would not heed his words. Let’s face it, people don’t like to be told they’re wrong or be reminded of their mistakes. However, if he remained silent, he simply would have perpetuated their blindness. St. Stephen spoke words of truth, but the people refused to believe.
The people in the Gospel also do not believe at first. They are in the presence of Jesus Himself, and yet they want some sign. They say Moses gave his people manna from heaven – what can Jesus do for a sign? But Jesus explains that Moses did not give his people the manna – God gave them bread from heaven. And God gave His people Jesus. He is the sign. He is the bread, the manna that has come down from heaven. How sad, the people were so blind that they could not see what was right in front of them.
The people who stoned Stephen to death refused to believe God’s prophets even when the prophecies were fulfilled. They preferred to be right and live in darkness rather than be wrong and walk in the light. Those who gathered around Jesus also wanted more proof of His identity. All the miracles He had worked, all His inspiring sermons and the unconditional love and mercy that poured forth from Christ were not enough for the people. In their hard heartedness, they wanted MORE.
Our society continues to yearn for MORE. Instead of living a life of gratitude, taking time to commune with God to recognize His abundant blessings and gifts, we are enticed by the devil and feel unsatisfied always wanting MORE. An all-consuming desire for MORE can never be satisfied for our souls long for only one presence. When Jesus becomes the center of our lives, He fills the longing of our soul, and we no longer desire more.
In the words of Christ, “I am the bread of life; whoever comes to Me will never hunger, and whoever believes in Me will never thirst.” With Jesus we are satisfied and can lead others to find this gift of total satisfaction. Let us spend time today reflecting on the statement, “They preferred to be right and live in darkness rather than be wrong and walk in the light.” Are there areas in my life where I need to surrender to the truth? How can I release myself from the desire for MORE and be fully satisfied with the Source of Truth, Jesus Christ.