April 15, 2024 Monday of the Third Week of Easter
Today’s first reading is the telling of Stephen’s ministry, after being appointed to preach the gospel and convert sinners, the elders want him to stop, even by providing false witness. As Jesus says in Matthew 5,
Blessed are you when they insult you and persecute you and utter every kind of evil against you [falsely] because of me. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward will be great in heaven. Thus they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
I’m sure Stephen is in heaven. In the gospel, after Jesus walked on water and fed the thousands, he retreated to the other side of the sea. People did find Him and he said not to look for food that perishes, but what comes from Him, “that endures for eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you.” Jesus provides! Amen! It is still Easter season! Amen! Alleluia! Jesus is risen!
