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REFLECTION

As we forgive those… is the theme for our reflection. To forgive means to stop feeling angry or resentful towards (someone) for an offence. It also means to cancel a debt. We are told that Stephen is “a man full of God’s grace and power, performed great wonders and signs among the people…” but “… they stirred up the people and the elders and the teachers of the law. They seized Stephen and brought him before the Sanhedrin. They produced false witnesses, who testified, “This fellow never stops speaking against this holy place and against the law. For we have heard him say that this Jesus of Nazareth will destroy this place and change the customs Moses handed down to us.” Acts 6:12-14(Acts 6:8) Stephen was opposed by the Jewish authorities and suffered the same fate as Jesus. In today’s reflection, we read about the unjust killing of Stephen and his forgiveness. ” While they were stoning him, Stephen prayed, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” Then he fell on his knees and cried out, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” When he had said this, he fell asleep. (Acts 7:59-60)

Dear friend, forgiveness is an act of unconditional love and it is at the heart of God’s mission on earth through Our Lord Jesus Christ. Stephen was first saved because He was loved and forgiven by Christ and then called to become His servant through the power of the Holy Spirit. Beloved in the Lord, we cannot give what we do not have neither can we do what do not understand. Stephen loved his murderers and forgave them because Jesus had already laid the foundation of unconditional love on the cross when He said “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” (Luke 23:34). Anyone who is a disciple of Christ must possess the same the love and the spirit of forgiveness. We must resemble Christ and follow His perfect examples or be like Christ in our speech and deeds in our relationships and interaction with people, especially in our expression of love. Jesus has taught us that “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” (John 13:34-35). We are true disciples of Jesus if we love and forgive those who offend us. This is the most difficult part of following Jesus, many Christians have a tough time understanding the teaching about unconditional love and forgiveness. Many of us are struggling to be faithful disciples because we are unable to love and forgive those who offend us. Again, Jesus reminds us that “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbour and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:43-45) Stephen was a true disciple of Jesus, who obeyed His Master Jesus to the point of death. My dear friend in the Lord, we have also been called into a life of discipleship and to endure the cost of discipleship on account of our Lord Jesus Christ who has promised us that “Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you. (Matthew 5:10-12). As you read this reflection, you may be going through persecution and attacks from your enemies at your workplace, in your family, community and unfortunately even in the house of God for living a life that pleases God as a disciple of Christ. May you be strengthened like Stephen in this lent season and beyond to do God’s will even in the most painful and challenging moments of your life. Our lives are in God’s hands therefore God is always in control whether in good or bad times. Finally, Paul encourages us that “Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. On the contrary: “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. (Romans 12:17-21) Like Stephen, may the Holy Spirit empower us to do the will of God even in times of agony and even to the point of death. Shalom.

PRAYER

Dear Lord, in our weakness and pain, we have the desire to seek revenge. We completely surrender ourselves to you in this lent season and beyond to help us to overcome our weaknesses and may we be empowered by the Holy Spirit to follow the perfect example of Jesus in the demonstration of love and forgiveness in all situations.