In today’s first reading from the Acts of the Apostles we hear the story of Stephen, the first Christian martyr. The Greek word “martyr” means witness. In the beginning of Acts the risen Jesus commissions his disciples to be Spirit empowered witnesses: “But you will...
In today’s first reading from Acts we hear the Jewish Pharisee Gamaliel give wise and sage advice. He advises restraint in their dealings with the early Jewish Christian Community. He refers to two other Jewish “revolutionary” leaders, Theudas and Judas the...
The apostles and first disciples were completely transformed by the experience of the risen Lord in their lives. Their joy was so explosive that they felt impelled to announce and share their experience. Joy, trust, witness, service, and hope became a way of life for...
