DAILY ERFLECTION

Liturgical readings are available here.

The martyrdom of Steven would seem to mean the end of the story, but in reality, it just opens another chapter. It stats the public persecution, but also the mission to the end of the earth.

Even when the Church is oppressed, it continues to thrive and there are always people who are inspired and moved despite the difficulties. The Acts specifically point out devout men who buried Stephen and Philip who goes to Samaria.

We might wonder why violence and persecution are part of the scenario, as if God only worked through them. Yet, another view is possible. God can bring out profit and positive outcome also from situations considered negative or hard to understand. For sure, we should strive to change the situation towards better and that is our human responsibility. Yet, praying to God, we must ask for our attitude and our mindset to change.