The Seventh Sunday of Easter First Reading: Acts 7:55-60 Responsorial: Psalm 97:1-2, 6-7, 9 Second Reading: Revelation 22:12-14, 16-17, 20 Gospel: John 17:20-26
Love and Glory
by Msgr. Richard Henning
Stephen appears in the Acts when the Apostles face a pastoral problem. Some of the Jewish Christians in Jerusalem have come from other lands, and these “Hellenists” speak Greek. In order to be certain that they be connected to the larger community, seven men are appointed to see to their practical needs. One of the men, Stephen, filled with faith and the Spirit, moves quickly beyond the original charge and witnesses to the faith. His successful evangelizing provokes the Temple leadership into arresting him. On trial, Stephen gives a lengthy address defending his Christian faith as authentic to God’s plan. He begins his address by speaking of the God of glory who appeared to Abraham and then traces the long history of God’s relationship to Israel. He also makes it clear that his opponents stand in the tradition of those who have rejected the Lord. In effect, he indicts them at his trial and their anger turns the proceedings into more of a lynching than a judicial proceeding.
When they drag Stephen off to stone him, his defiant and provocative words become docile and reconciling. As we hear in today’s passage, his death echoes that of Jesus as Stephen commends himself to the Lord Jesus and begs forgiveness for his tormentors.
Traditionally, Stephen is depicted as a young man and while Acts does not specify this, it fits with the portrait. He certainly behaves like a young man- in his enthusiasm he goes beyond his mandate and brings vigor and passion to preaching the gospel. His dramatic witness and death have not ceased to move Christians to faith and sacrifice. Other young people, like him, have testified with their blood to their love of the Lord Jesus. Think of Agnes and Cecilia who defied the power of the Roman Empire. Still other young people, such as Francis and Clare, have given an equal witness in the manner of their compassionate living. While St. Terese remained behind the walls of a convent, she brought the same gift of youth and faith to the Lord in her life of contemplation.
Each of these young people, lived and died the truth that Jesus is Lord, and the truth proclaimed in the passage taken from the last part of Revelation. John of Patmos taught Christians of the vindication of the Lord and their hope to share in that vindication. Even their sufferings have been washed and transformed by their share in the blood of the Lamb. And now, invited to the life giving waters, they call out for the coming of their Lord and savior.
In the gospel passage, we hear the last part of Jesus’ farewell to his disciples in John. Here, Jesus prays for them and speaks of glory. In the Old Testament tradition, to speak of the glory of God is to speak of God’s presence. God’s glory communicated itself to Israel in the Law, walked among them in their journey, and inhabited the sanctuary in the Temple. John’s Gospel teaches that the “glory,” the presence of God, is seen and experienced in Jesus in a new and unmediated way. Because Jesus and the Father are one, Jesus possesses that same divine glory and can offer it to his disciples. Jesus now prays that his glory will shine forth from them. He wants them to love one another and to remain united. On one level, this has the purpose of strengthening their mission to the world- they must practice what they preach. But there is a more profound dimension to the prayer of Jesus. They are to be his presence in the world as he is the Father’s presence. And if the Father’s presence is one of love, and Jesus has demonstrated this by his love for them, they must now recognize that in loving they glorify the Lord. Love and glory both communicate the presence of God.
Every Christian, young or old, can communicate this glory. Our society tells young adults that they should indulge themselves in every excess and depravity. Instead of helping young people to mature, we invite them to the worst aspects of childishness. Instead of authentic love, we teach them a shallow parody where people are playthings and hearts trashed daily.
Today, Stephen, and the many like him, remind us of the true power and gift of youth. Young people deserve more; they deserve to be reminded of their sacred call to witness to the truth. Their young lives can have meaning and purpose; they can be life-giving water to a thirsty world and they can know a love that is glory of God.
