Whenever some persons encounter others who possess specific skills or talents they do not have, they tend to either appreciate such gifts and improve themselves or become jealous and hostile towards the person. Those who encountered Stephen deceitfully ascribed charges of blasphemy against him just as the Pharisees did against Jesus. St. Fidelis of Sigmaringen, a 16th-century priest of Seewis (present-day Switzerland), cared for and cured many sick soldiers during a severe epidemic and converted many Calvinists and residents of his town, an act which enraged some Calvinists who martyred him. Reflecting on these experiences of St. Stephen, St. Fidelis and Jesus in the gospel, we are called to be more accommodating of others and seek to improve ourselves when we encounter those with gifts different from ours. Also, when we experience truth, we must overcome the impulse to lie and bury the truth but instead promote it above all. By this, the world would remember us for making efforts towards positive growth rather than the destruction of truth.

PRAYER: Dear Lord, may the power of your resurrection clothe me with humility and docility that I may further your loving purpose of redemption in the world, Amen.