The Faith of Stephen, the first Martyr was steadfast till the end of his life. His death resembles that of Jesus when he said, "receive my spirit" (v. 59) and "do not hold this sin against them." Stephen's suffering and pain continues on in today's realities - in the thousands & millions who struggle daily in their lives, in sorrow and pain. Yet just as God used the death of Stephen to invite all his followers to spread the Good News, it reminds us of our Christian responsibility towards those who are in this sad state of life.

To do this we need to have total faith and trust in God for which we are constantly challenged.

We also see in today's Gospel reading that even after the miracle, the crowd still asked for a sign that they should believe in Jesus. Quoting the OT example of the manna in the desert (6:31), Jesus reiterated that the nourishment He offered is that of eternal life. While the nourishment in manna did not prevent death, Jesus offered Himself as the bread of life in the promise of eternal life in and through Him.

During this Easter season, the Church continues to remind us of the gift of Jesus Himself in the promise through the Eucharist. Let us treasure such a GiFT and allow it to be celebrated in our lives with greater faith and hope.