Today’s first reading talks about the first Deacon and first martyr, St. Stephen. He is presented to us as someone who had trained for the ultimate spiritual challenge, the ability to remain joyful and peaceful in a very difficult situation. Far more difficult than most of us are experiencing during Covid-19. The fact that even his opponents saw the face of an angel in Stephen’s face is a testament to how committed he was to living in the spirit. How committed are we to living in the Spirit today ?
We need to ask ourselves three questions. First is this quarantine time causing us to be moody or more easily frustrated ? Are the kids at home driving is crazy ? What are the obstacles presented to me during this pandemic ?
As with all obstacles God gives us tools we can use even though Eucharist is not yet an option. We have God’s stories and teachings in the Bible. When we study the scriptures we open ourselves to the grace and wisdom God wants to pour into us. We also can carve out some time for prayer. Every day through prayer God offers us fresh assurance of his presence and the peace that comes from knowing we are on his hands.
This is a difficult time for sure ! But God ever said it would be easy ! He only promised us that it would be worth it ! St. Stephen, pray for us !
DeColores, Deacon Doug