Deacon Matt's Reflection

Reflection for Seventh Sunday of Easter: May 29, 2022
 
Acts 7:55-60: Today, we witness the   holiness, bravery and Spirit-filled  enthusiasm of St. Stephen for the faith; even unto his martyrdom. The ponderous authenticity and clarity of Stephen’s vision of Jesus are even more poignantly conveyed by his referring to Jesus as the “Son of Man.” This is the only reference to Jesus by this title in the New Testament, by anyone other than Jesus, Himself.
 
As we contemplate this passage further, let’s meditate on the mercy and forgiveness that Stephen models for us. Stephen, like Jesus, prayed for his persecutors and killers, even as he lay dying. Remember Jesus’ similar prayers of mercy and forgiveness, spoken from the Cross: “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” (Luke 23:34). Let’s take time this week to pray for our hearts to be full of mercy and forgiveness for those who have persecuted or harmed us in any way.
 
Psalm 97: “The Lord is King, the Most High over all the earth.” Like Stephen’s vision of Jesus at the right hand of the Father, this psalm expresses reverent appreciation and respect for the power and glory of God. The psalmist exults that the Lord is King; sitting on a throne that proclaims His role as a just Judge over all peoples and nations. The Lord’s omnipotence as God over all is emphasized; much like in Stephen’s description of his vision of Jesus with our Heavenly Father; praying for all, while simultaneously ruling over all. Let’s consider this week how much respect and awe we have as we consider the power, dignity and glory of God. Are we appropriately reverent and respectful?
 
Rev 22:12-14; 16-17; 20  In this passage, we’re once again exhorted to be ready. Jesus is coming to all of us, soon, as our Savior and Judge. Our Lord is infinitely merciful, but He’s also perfectly just.   Consider this week that we mustn’t be presumptuous regarding our Lord’s mercy. We can’t keep sinning and casually count on the Lord’s forgiveness. That demonstrates a lack of respect for Jesus’ Holy Justice and role as the “Just Judge,” filled with wisdom and grace. At the last Judgment, Jesus will dispense rewards and consequences in perfect measure; commensurate to our level of virtue or sinfulness. Let’s pray this week for the virtue of true contrition for our sins. Let’s also pray for wisdom regarding how to cultivate an attitude and behaviors that reflect true and serious repentance. Repentance, in the form of fasting, almsgiving and self-sacrifice are never outdated or out of fashion. If ever our world needed more repentance and sacrificial acts of atonement, it’s now.
 
John 17: 20-26: Today, we witness Jesus’ impassioned prayer for unity between His followers. Jesus wants us to be recognized and characterized by our love for one another and for Him. God’s very essence and nature is Love, so if we’re to be one with God and with His others, we must pray to be filled with love, mercy and forgiveness for others and for ourselves. May our Most Holy Trinity help us to achieve true unity; especially regarding our faith, our concepts of the truth and our conceptions over what’s right and what’s wrong.      Disagreements regarding what’s morally right and wrong have fostered much division, conflict and disillusionment regarding the faith and over what constitutes virtue, legitimate choices and/or sin. We’ve lost to a degree, principles and beliefs that used to bind us together. Let’s pray this week to achieve true unity and peace that respects all life and all people.