Third Tuesday of Easter

The witnesses laid down their cloaks at the feet of a young man named Saul. As they were stoning Stephen, he called out, "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit." Then he fell to his knees and cried out in a loud voice, "Lord, do not hold this sin against them"; and when he said this, he fell asleep. Now Saul was consenting to his execution.

The forgiving words of Stephen stand in stark contrast to the callousness of Saul. Can we imagine pardoning the people who are stoning us? Can we imagine standing by and watching someone being stoned to death? And yet, here are two people doing just that... one the first martyr of our faith and the other the eventual Apostle to the Gentiles. Truly God did not hold the death of Stephen against Saul... instead He used this experience to led Saul to Damascus and to his conversion experience. This gives us hope that we, though sinners, will also be given a chance to make amends for our past transgressions. If God can forgive Saul and transform him into Paul the Apostle, then He can save us, too, and lead us to a better and more faithful life.

Are we willing to lay down our life for our faith? How can we be more like Stephen and forgive those who trespass against us? What can we do to make amends for our past sins?

O Lord, do not hold our sins against us.

Amen.

Memorial of Saint John Neumann, Bishop

The way we came to know love was that he laid down his life for us; so we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers. If someone who has worldly means sees a brother in need and refuses him compassion, how can the love of God remain in him? Children, let us love not in word or speech but in deed and truth.

Jesus Christ laid his life down for us and our salvation. In the same way, we are called to lay down our lives for others. Just as Jesus loved each of us enough to sacrifice himself upon the cross, so we must be willing to sacrifice ourselves for the good of others. We might not have to suffer in the same way as Christ, but we are each called to take up our crosses, carry them with perseverance, and show compassion to all those whom we meet along the way. Loving others even in the midst of our trials is exactly what Jesus did for his mother and those women who wept for him. Even weakened, beaten, and condemned... Christ had love and mercy in his heart for those who suffered with him and ever for those who persecuted him. So let us love not only in word and speech, but also most importantly in deed and truth.

Are we willing to lay down our lives for God and His children? How do we respond when we see one of our brothers and sisters in Christ in need? What can we do to live out the Gospel call to love others in word and deed?

O Lord, we are willing to lay down our lives for you and your children.

Amen.