7th Sunday of Easter – Acts 7:55-60; Revelation 22:12-14, 16-17, 20; John 17:20-26
In today’s reading from Acts 7:55-60, we are drawn into the radiant light of courage embodied by Saint Stephen. As he stands before his tormentors, his eyes are lifted heavenward, beholding a vision of the Divine. In that luminous moment his faith transcends earthly pain, transforming his final breath into an act of unyielding love. Stephen’s prayer, filled with forgiveness even for those who condemn him, resonates like a gentle hymn of mercy. His fearless surrender challenges us to trust in a loving God who sees beyond our present anguish.
This moving account invites us to confront our own trials with grace. Like a tender flame defying the darkest winds, true faith burns steadily amid adversity. The martyr’s vision of the Risen Christ reminds us of the eternal promise of genuine redemption, where love overcomes sin and hatred. Today, let us lift our eyes to the heavens, drawing inspiration to forgive and to hope, even in times of suffering. In the spirit of Saint Stephen, may we embrace every trial as the seed of heavenly victory, enduring until final light.