May 5

May 5, 2014:  Monday, 3rd week, Easter

Readings

• Acts 6:8-15  Stephen was working wonders and signs.  People debated with him but couldn't withstand the wisdom and Spirit with which he spoke.  They falsely accused him, stirred up the people, elders, and scribes, brought him before the Sanhedrin, and the false witnesses testified.  All saw that his face was like an angel's.

• Ps 119:23-24, 26-27, 29-30  "Blessed are they who follow the law of the Lord!"  Your decrees are my delight, my counselors.  You answered me; teach me your statutes.  I've chosen the way of truth.

• Jn 6:22-29  After Jesus had fed the 5,000 men, the crowd found him and asked, “Rabbi, when did you get here?”  Jesus:  “You look for me because you ate the loaves and were filled.  Work for the food that endures for eternal life, that the Son will give you.” / “How can we do God's works?” / “Believe in the one he sent.”

Pope Francis

• Homily:  Jesus tells them they're looking for him not because of signs but because they ate and were filled.  Are we following the Lord for personal gain or because we love him?  He mentions attitudes to avoid:

• Vanity:  He refers to those in public positions who give alms or fast in others' view.  Vanity causes us to slip.  When I do good, do I do it under the public eye or in private?  A vain pastor, priest, or bishop isn't following Jesus and doesn't do God's people good.

• Thirst for power:  Some followers of Jesus search for power, like John and James, who asked Jesus for places of honor.  There are ambition-driven climbers in the Church, but if you like climbing, climb a mountain!  Ask, “Do I follow Christ only for him, or for power?  Do I use Church or community to gain power?”

• Money has been a temptation from the start.  Since Simon, Ananias, and Sapphira, many Christians and Church benefactors have acted for personal profit, making money on the side.

Lord, give us the grace to follow you with love, without vanity, desire for power, or lust for wealth.

Reflections

• Creighton:  Stephen, filled with wisdom and the Spirit, he partook in “the food that endures.”  If I understand the Bread of Life is available to me, I can attain the wisdom and courage he had.

• One Bread One Body:  We frequently ask the Lord "When?," "How?," and "Why?, but let's ask ourselves:  Why do we live, work, pray, or go to Mass?  Why don't we do everything for God's glory?  Are we sharing our faith?

• Passionist:  Stephen's words and works threaten the scribes' and elders' ways and was stoned.  If you believe in the One God sent, what traditional ideas are you willing to shake?

• DailyScripture.net:   Only God can satisfy our deepest hunger—for truth, life, and love.

• Universalis:  St. Asaph, monk, bishop.  Bl. Edmund Rice, widower, educator of poor, began Presentation Brothers.

• Sacred Space

Apparel

• "Owl" tie pin:  Stephen spoke with wisdom... (1st reading)
• "Keyboard with dove" tie pin:  ...and the Spirit; (1st reading)
• "Angel" pin:  his face was like an angel's (1st reading)

• "Wheat" pin:  Bread of Life discourse (gospels 5/2-5/10)
• Tie with food:  You ate and were filled (gospel)

• "Eyeball" tie pin:  "their eyes were opened" (Sunday gospel)

• White shirt for today and Easter season

Dress your life!