DAILY HOMILIES #hellenists

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

God knows how to write straight on crooked lines. The selection of deacons stemmed from the crisis that ensued over food. What the devil thought would bring an end to the church became an opportunity to discover great talents that would eventually succeed the apostles. St. Augustine says, “God will never allow His children to suffer unless it is because He wants to bring something good out of it.” If God permits a crisis in your life, know that He is planning something big.

When the devil fights you from outside and cannot bring you down, he tries to fight from within. Nevertheless, as Jesus said to the apostles in today’s Gospel passage, when you face such attacks, “Do not be afraid.”(John 6:20). Even in chaos, God is never far from you.