After Stephen’s martyrdom, recalled in yesterday‘s First Reading, the Christians are scattered due to persecution, but that, in God’s Providence, helps Christianity to spread. Stephen may be gone, but Philip heads up to Samaria and starts working signs and wonders as well. There have been many attempts throughout history to destroy Christianity; apparently they didn’t heed Gamaliel‘s advice to just wait and see whether Christianity would die off on its own. It won’t. The Lord made good come out of his Son’s crucifixion, and in moments of persecution he makes good come too.
Throughout the world today Christian’s are still being persecuted and murdered for their faith. Religious extremists are taxing them, terrorizing them, and beheading them. We should support them and religious liberty as well, but also ask ourselves whether we’re being complacent in countries where Christianity is tolerated, albeit, at times, ridiculed. It’s a question of spiritual life and death, even though it may not always be a question of physical life and death. Even veiled persecution should stoke our apostolic zeal to spread the Gospel and have the right to share our faith.
Let’s pray today for all persecuted Christians and thank Our Lord for all those who have given their lives for the Gospel, including him.
Readings: Acts 8:1b–8; Psalm 66:1–3a, 4–7a; John 6:35–40. See also 18th Sunday in Ordinary Time,Cycle B and 3rd Week of Easter, Wednesday.