Third Monday of Easter

Stephen, filled with grace and power, was working great wonders and signs among the people. Certain members of the so-called Synagogue of Freedmen, Cyreneans, and Alexandrians, and people from Cilicia and Asia, came forward and debated with Stephen, but they could not withstand the wisdom and the Spirit with which he spoke.

When we allow the Holy Spirit to think, speak, and act through us, we can become powerful vessels of grace. We might not work great wonders and signs, but we can bear great fruits that increase the faith, hope, and love of others. We can withstand all the pressures of the world as long as we let go and let God lead us to where we need to be and to what we need to do. We will have the courage and fortitude to do what is right even as others tempt us, mock us, or resist us. We, like Stephen, will have the conviction of our faith and nothing... not even the threat of suffering and death will stop us from what God is calling us to do.

What can we do to allow the Holy Spirit into our lives more deeply? What is God calling us to think, speak, and do? How can we grow in the wisdom of God?

O Lord, fill us with your grace and power.

Amen.