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| St. Stephen is a case in point. |
[ Today's Readings ]
We are witnesses of these things,
as is the Holy Spirit whom God has given to those who obey him.
We are called to proclaim that God has raised Christ Jesus from the dead. We can't proclaim him on our own. Strategies and plans only go so far. We need the Holy Spirit's help. On our own we meet resistance and fall flat. When the Spirit is with us we may meet resistance, but it does not stop us.
We must obey God rather than men.
The people who hear us may even become infuriated with us. They might not want to here the truth. But God wants them to hear it. If they are ready, the Spirit may move us to proclaim God's word even in such hostile situations. He may ask us to proclaim God's word even when it seems to have no effect.
He testifies to what he has seen and heard,
but no one accepts his testimony.
The Holy Spirit knows what he is doing. He knows when we should speak and when we should give an example of silent love and charity. His concern is the concern of the Father and the Son as well, that everyone has the opportunity to believe in the Son for eternal life. The Spirit is poured out without measure to empower this mission. The Father does not ration his gift of the Spirit so that his words can be spoken and his truth can be made known. The psalmist shows us a good example of this proclamation, so let's invite the Spirit to fill us with similar words of praise.
I will bless the LORD at all times;
his praise shall be ever in my mouth.
Taste and see how good the LORD is;
blessed the man who takes refuge in him.
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