Acts 7:51-8:1; Psalm 30; John 6:30-35
The reading describes the martyrdom of Stephen. An exercise of one who has eaten the eternal bread. The people in the gospel ask Christ for bread to quench their physical appetite but Christ says he is the spiritual food for spiritual nourishment. Martyrdom is one of the features of a spiritually filled Christian. Stephen called the people in Acts 7:51 “stiff-necked people” like the manna seekers in the gospel, because they refused to submit their neck to the sweet and easy yoke of Christ. Anyone who refuses to submit to Christ falls under the yoke of evil powers. St. Stephen; pray for us.
Act of Spiritual Communion
My Jesus, I believe that You are present in the Most Holy Sacrament.
I love You above all things, and I desire to receive You into my soul.
Since I cannot at this moment receive You sacramentally,
come at least spiritually into my heart. I embrace You as if You were already there and unite myself wholly to You. Never permit me to be separated from You. Amen.
