Welcome to A Word of Hope with Fr. Andrew Carl Wisdom, OP, Novice Master for the Dominican Province of St. Albert the Great. Reflect with him on the readings for Tuesday of the Third Week of Easter.
Fr. Wisdom contrasts the 40 days of Lent with the 50 days of the Easter season, seeing Easter as a time to savor the graces and healing surfaced during Lent. He connects this to the Acts of the Apostles (Acts 7:51-8:1a), where St. Stephen, approaching his martyrdom, confronts the "stiff-necked people" who resist the Holy Spirit. Despite their hostility, Stephen, filled with the Spirit, sees Jesus in glory and prays with profound trust ("Lord Jesus, receive my spirit") and charity ("Lord, do not hold this sin against them"), even as Saul (St. Paul) looks on.
This courage, Fr. Wisdom explains, finds its source in the Gospel of John (John 6:30-35). Jesus responds to the crowds demanding signs like the manna in the desert by revealing Himself as the true "Bread of Life," sent by the Father to give eternal life and ultimate nourishment.
Discover how St. Stephen's witness exemplifies a life nourished by Christ. Let this reflection inspire you to cultivate deeper trust in God and greater charity towards others throughout the Easter season.
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