The first reading during the Easter Season is taken from the Acts of the Apostles. Doing so is a reminder that resurrection was not something that happened to Jesus that we admire from afar. Rather, resurrection impacts us who are the followers of Jesus enabling us to not simply admire, but imitate him. The story of the martyrdom of the deacon Stephen illustrates how that looks in practice. He was like the Lord in enduring unjust suffering and hardship. But he is also like the Lord in extending mercy and forgiveness. His dying words echo those of Jesus from the cross: “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit. Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” We too need to imitate Jesus in our willingness to forgive.
MAY22017
By Church Staff
