Living and Willing to Die for Jesus WIll Lead

There are a lot of uncertainties about what the future holds these days, and many are worried and anxious, not knowing what’s the right thing to do, feel scattered in many ways. I think St. Anselm Bishop and doctor, St. Stephen 1st Martyr and the faithful believers in our readings may help us find some answers. St. Anselm Archbishop of Canterbury 1093 came into conflict with two Kings of England William and Henry I over the Churches independent right to appoint Bishops. He went into exiled twice, and returned Henry I agreed to respect the Churches independence. The Church in our 1st reading was in a sever persecution and St. Stephen was stoned to death for giving witness of Jesus Christ, and Saul, who would become the Apostle Paul was trying to destroy the Church and was dragging men and women believes out of their houses and putting them in jail. Scripture says a sever persecution occurred on those days and people were scatted.

Great difficulties in life help one find clarity and purpose. Especially for Christians, I think a hard question to contemplate on is, what am I willing to lay down my life for.?

We can take example from Philip who in the midst of the sever persecution and scatter in Jerusalem goes to Samaria and proclaims Jesus Christ the Messiah. In the Gospel Jesus says “I am the bread of life whoever comes to me will never hunger and whoever believes in me will never thrust, and I will not reject anyone who comes to me.” Living for Jesus and willing to die for him, will keep one focused on the right priorities in life, and will lead us to the gift of eternal life Jesus promised on the last day.