HOMILY FOR THE 7TH SUNDAY IN EASTER: YEAR C

HOMILY FOR THE 7TH SUNDAY IN EASTER: YEAR C

HOMILY THEME: “HE LIFTED UP HIS EYES TO HEAVEN”

BY: Fr. Justus Oruh

Act 7: 55 – 60, Rev 22: 12 – 20, Jn 17: 20 – 26

(a) We could imagine the troubles of St. Stephen, as he was taken out to be stoned. At this point he resorted to prayers. He lifted up his eyes to the heavens. This was also how Christ began His prayers in John 17:1, when He was troubled about the unity of his people He is leaving behind. “He lifted up His eyes to heaven”. When St. Stephen lifted up his eyes to heaven, the heaven was thrown open and he saw the glory of God. Sometimes we worry so much but forget to lift up our eyes to God in prayers.

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(b) Like Christ on the Cross, Stephen also prayed, “Father, into your hands I commend my spirit” This teaches us to commend in God’s hands situations we cannot change.

(c) Like Christ, Stephen prayed for all. He prayed for the forgiveness of his enemies. “Father, do not hold this sin against them”; “Father forgive them for they do not know what they do”. We know how both Christ and Stephen died a peaceful death even amid the agony of the body. Practically Stephen prayed his enemies and for those who persecuted him. Have you ever prayed for your enemy? Such Prayers saves us from bearing grudges which bring sickness to the heart and grants us peace and the tranquility of the soul. Praying like Christ and St. Stephen brings forgiveness, united us together in oneness as Christ prayed and prepares our hearts for the coming of the Holy Spirit which descended to the Apostles as they were one in unity.
Come Holy Spirit!

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