Spiritual Spark 🔥

Some stood up and argued with Stephen. But they could not withstand the wisdom and the Spirit with which he spoke. Then they secretly instigated some men to say, "We have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses and God" (Acts 6:9-11).

Stephen was a holy man, full of grace and power. Jews of his time couldn't match him in knowledge and wisdom. They couldn't argue with him and so they chose a crooked way. They bribed and instigated people to bring false charges against him to get rid of him.

Even today religion is used as a means to settle score with one's opponents. Religion has a strong emotional appeal, which is capable of generating immense positive as well as negative energy. Stephen was filled with the positive spirit, but his opponents were filled with negative spirit. We need to choose for ourselves, which aspect of religion we wish to choose: love or hatred?

Today we celebrate the feast of St. Peter Canisius, a Jesuit saint and a Doctor of the church. He did a great work in Germany. He is credited with adding to the Hail Mary prayer the sentence: "Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners". He actively promoted the sodalities of our Lady and the rosary associations.

Good day and God bless us all! 🙏🏼💐