29 May 2022 7th Sunday of Easter
While they were stoning Stephen, he prayed, ‘Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.’ Then he knelt down and cried out in a loud voice, ‘Lord, do not hold this sin against them.’ When he had said this, he died.
From Acts 7:55-60, NRSV
Today’s first reading recalls the death of Stephen, the first martyr. Despite the fact that Stephen was achieving much good amongst the community, the envy of some members of the Synagogue led to them bringing charges of blasphemy against Stephen. These people were further provoked when Stephen accused them of being “stiff necked” and of opposing the action of the Spirit. This led to his death by stoning. Stephen met his death with courage, forgiveness and belief in the resurrection. His death and that of the many subsequent martyrs bear many similarities to the death of Christ.
- Why do you think that Stephen was able to ask for forgiveness for those who were stoning him?
- What do you think is the legacy of Stephen and other martyrs?
You may like to include this prayer in your prayers today.
We give you thanks,
O Lord of glory,
for the example of the first martyr
who looked up to heaven and prayed
for his persecutors to Your Son Jesus Christ,
who stands at Your right hand,
where He lives and reigns with You and
the Holy Spirit, One God,
in glory everlasting.
Amen.
