By Shiju Joseph csc –
Readings: Acts 6: 8-15; Jn 6: 22-29
After being fed with free fine bread the previous day, the crowd looks for Jesus the next day. And Jesus is in no doubt that those who followed him did so with a variety of motivations. Yet when some asked what they must do to become capable of doing the ‘works of God,’ his answer was ‘BELIEVE’.
Physical rewards can lead to genuine faith. But after genuine faith is received as a gift from God, it does not care for physical comforts or safety at all.
As someone filled with faith in Jesus, Stephen stood fearless in the council in the face of all the false accusations that were brought forth. My faith is not tested by my capacity to perform miracles. My faith is tested when I have to face unfair allegations, betrayals and ingratitude. Stephen had the nerve to withstand them because of his deep faith in Christ. Is my faith strong enough to shine through me when faced with persecution and suffering?