Tuesday of the Third Week of Easter

Today's Mass Readings

The martyrdom of Stephen is often compared with the passion and death of Jesus. Jesus’ prayer for his persecutors, “Father, forgive them, they know not what they do” (Luke 23: 34) is similar to Stephen’s prayer, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them” (Acts 7: 60). Likewise, Stephen’s plea, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit” (Acts 7: 59) echoes that of Jesus, “Father, into your hand, I commend my spirit” (Luke 23: 46).

While on earth, Stephen shared in the true bread from heaven. He believed that Jesus was the Messiah, and he saw the Christ at the right hand of God. Now he will never again hunger, never again thirst.

Reflection by Br. Jacob Kubajak, OSB