"...they could not withstand the wisdom and the Spirit with which he spoke."
Acts 6, 8-15
Stephen had many enemies. Not that he made them his enemies by a life of murder, and deceit. Quest for power and wealth. On the contrary. Stephen' life was a life dedicated in serving his fellowmen. He was chosen to help distribute to the most needy the gifts of the church. He was for the poor. He was for Christ, his Lord and Master.
Stephen was "filled with grace and power, was working great wonders and signs among the people." He was an instrument of God in making His presence become real among the peope. For this he had many enemies. Enemies who could not stand the good being manifested in him; who could not even accept God's goodness among them.
Stephen's enemies could not face the truth about themselves. So they had to invent lies to silence him. His enemies could not bring themselves to serve others and be for others. So they had to kill him.
Stephen was a mirror of goodness and holines. When his enemies saw him, they saw the complete opposite of who they were. The mirror had to be broken, or else.
In many ways, and a number of times, Stephen's enemies continue to hate and destroy, tell lies and present false witnesses. To destroy Stephen, God's chosen one. They continue to do so even during these times. Even today. At this hour.
Stephen is found among the many good and dedicated servants of God: His priests and lay workers. Who tirelessly and silently without funfare do the work of God among His people. And endure the ridicule and lies told against them only because they had chosen to be "God's workers" in His vineyard.
The lies told can be very painful. They can almost snuff the zeal and the fire. But the enemies of Stepehen could not kill the spirit. And the grace. And God's blessings.
Acts 6, 8-15
Stephen had many enemies. Not that he made them his enemies by a life of murder, and deceit. Quest for power and wealth. On the contrary. Stephen' life was a life dedicated in serving his fellowmen. He was chosen to help distribute to the most needy the gifts of the church. He was for the poor. He was for Christ, his Lord and Master.
Stephen was "filled with grace and power, was working great wonders and signs among the people." He was an instrument of God in making His presence become real among the peope. For this he had many enemies. Enemies who could not stand the good being manifested in him; who could not even accept God's goodness among them.
Stephen's enemies could not face the truth about themselves. So they had to invent lies to silence him. His enemies could not bring themselves to serve others and be for others. So they had to kill him.
Stephen was a mirror of goodness and holines. When his enemies saw him, they saw the complete opposite of who they were. The mirror had to be broken, or else.
In many ways, and a number of times, Stephen's enemies continue to hate and destroy, tell lies and present false witnesses. To destroy Stephen, God's chosen one. They continue to do so even during these times. Even today. At this hour.
Stephen is found among the many good and dedicated servants of God: His priests and lay workers. Who tirelessly and silently without funfare do the work of God among His people. And endure the ridicule and lies told against them only because they had chosen to be "God's workers" in His vineyard.
The lies told can be very painful. They can almost snuff the zeal and the fire. But the enemies of Stepehen could not kill the spirit. And the grace. And God's blessings.
