Sometimes our efforts in this life run into difficulties or opposition, and this can leave us feeling discouraged. Stephen, however, gives an example of focussing on the eternal not the transient. Fr Richard reflects on today’s readings from Mass.
Readings for Monday of the third week of Easter can be found here.
If it hasn’t already, then election fever will soon be gripping Wales as we approach the Senedd election on 7th May, just over two weeks away. Sometimes, when an election is approaching, the result is too close to call, which makes election night more exciting. On other occasions, it’s more of a foregone conclusion, where we all know who’s going to win and who’s going to lose. In the latter situation, one can perhaps feel a little sorry for the ordinary canvassers and leaflet deliverers of the party that is going to lose. They know that defeat is coming, but they carry on campaigning regardless. It must feel somewhat futile.
We might sometimes feel like that as Christians in the modern world as we seek to proclaim the Gospel. We are continually putting in lots of effort, and it can feel like there is little reward. This feeling of futility could have been one that affected Stephen. Last week in our readings we learned that he was one of the seven deacons appointed by the early church to help the apostles in their work. Today we are told that “he was doing great wonders and signs among the people”. However, his ministry has led to opposition from various groups in Jerusalem, and he is seized and brought before the council on false charges. We know that this will ultimately lead to Stephen’s death. He might have thought that his ministry had all been for nought, but it seems as though he had a serene confidence. We are told that “all who sat in the council saw that his face was like the face of an angel.”
How did Stephen maintain his composure and confidence in the face of such impossible odds? The answer lies in today’s Gospel. “Do not work for the food that perishes, but for the food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give to you”, Jesus says. Stephen had his sights set on the things of eternity. The council and its members, and even Stephen’s own life, would pass away, but the things of God will endure for ever. Unlike even the best political party, we too are working for the bread that endures for ever. May we keep that vision before us through all the changes and chances of this fleeting life.
Mass today is in St Dyfrig & St Samson at 6.30pm.
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