Daily Devotional

Today’s First Reading teaches us that God can bring good out of even the most painful circumstances. Saul’s persecution pushed the church out of its comfort zone, leading to the discovery of many believers’ talents and gifts. Like food that has to be cooked before its nutritional value comes out, hardship cooks us. It transforms us, making us stronger, more resilient. One shining example is Philip, who was forced to go to Samaria. Philip converted multitudes, and God used him to work great signs and wonders.

Jesus taught that while the manna was earthly food (never satisfied), the bread from heaven truly satisfies. The people said, “Give us this bread always.” Jesus replied: “I am the bread of life; he who comes to me shall not hunger, and he who believes in me shall never thirst.” (John 6:35). In other words, to have Jesus is better than having the whole world. No wonder St. Augustine said, “Our hearts are restless until they rest in God.” Only Jesus can give us true satisfaction. Stephen was not afraid of dying because He knew he had Jesus.

Stephen was a gifted deacon, full of the Holy Spirit and blessed with wisdom, deep insight and the ability to see visions. In today’s Gospel passage, Jesus warns the crowds seeking Him that they must labour for food that endures (guarantees eternal life). Although Stephen was appointed to serve at tables (labour for perishable food), he understood that he had a higher calling. Stephen’s life exemplifies one who laboured for the food of eternal life