Tuesday of the Third Week of Easter
In the Easter Season it is sometimes easy for the memory of Easter Sunday to recede pretty quickly. At this time of year, it is natural to look forward to summer, rather than backwards to reflect on what took place during Lent and the Triduum. The scriptures for today can inspire us to keep our focus on Jesus even as we move ahead through the season of Easter.
The first reading for today tells the story of Stephen, who was one of the early martyrs who bore witness to the gospel. Stephen’s enemies look on him as a blasphemer and not as someone who has a worthwhile message for them. Stephen tells his accusers that in opposing him they are in fact opposing the work of the Holy Spirit. Stephen is willing to die for his faith. He continues to preach to those who wanted to put him to death: in so doing he stands as a witness for God’s goods news in Jesus Christ. Stephen is an example of someone who, through prayer, keeps his attention focused on Jesus. Reflecting on this passage, I find myself reminded of the need to remain focused on Jesus during the Easter season.
Stephen’s accusers are not unlike the crowd of people who confront Jesus in the gospel reading for today. The crowd demands that Jesus prove himself to them. Referring back to Moses, they point out that Moses has given their ancestors a sign – namely manna to eat. Jesus reminds them that it was not Moses but God who gave manna to the people of Israel when they were wandering in the desert. Moses’ role was the role of a servant; he was there to do what God needed him to do. By demanding a sign the crowd is in fact showing their resistance to Jesus’ message and their unwillingness to be led by him.
In response to the people’s demand for a sign, Jesus tells them that he is the bread that gives life to the world. By using this phrase, Jesus draws attention to the fact that he wants to give new life to those who choose to follow him. Jesus also reminds his disciples that his life, ministry, and sacrifice are gifts from God to the world, things that God does for them and through which he seeks to draw them to himself.
In response to Jesus’ words in today’s gospel, I find myself asking whether I am willing to witness to Jesus wherever I go. The example of Stephen is an extreme one. Stephen was willing to die for Jesus and for Jesus’ message. Most of us are not called to be martyrs in the same way that Stephen was, but we are called to display God’s love and to be God’s servants in the world wherever we may find ourselves. I pray that I would be willing to go where Jesus sends me and to do what he would have me do. And I pray that I can become a better witness to the way that Jesus is bread for the life of the world.
Joel Schickel