Jesus is in Jerusalem for the feast of the dedication of the temple speaking in the portico of Solomon. He’s instructing the Jewish people to follow the way. He continues to instruct us to dedicate ourselves. It is in Antioch the Christians are first called Christians.

During this Easter season we see Paul and Peter preaching through the region appealing to the Gentiles. It would’ve been hard to call on Jewish people that were strict followers of rules of Leviticus And invite them to a different way. Jesus invites us to follow his way, to invite the Gentiles of our life to listen to his voice and enter through the gate that he has prepared for us. Athirst is my soul for you God is this psalm refrain for today. In order to reach out to others we must fill our souls with God first.

It is still Easter! Our Shepherd calls. Let us follow.

People abandon Jesus in John 6. Peter says “to whom shall we go, you have words of everlasting life.”With that faith he raises Tabitha from death in the acts of the apostles chapter 9. Today we pray for all those around us that do not believe and we ask God to help them turn around as Psalm 116 invites- How shall I make a return to the Lord for all the good he has done for me?

The plot thickens ... as Saul dramatically meets Jesus whom he is persecuting on his way to Damascus we encounter Ananias who is asked to attend to Saul, blind and shocked, awaiting God’s directions. Psalm 117 is his mission- “Go and tell all the world!.” We meet Jesus again in John 6, attacked bu those who find the idea of Jesus as bread of life abhorrent and leave him. Jesus will need people like you and me as His instruments in the world. We are very unworthy. He wants us to tell the Good News.

The Apostles bury Stephen and the disciples spread throughout the region being persecuted. The glory of God of which Psalm 66 speaks is revealed through us when we are fully alive. It is impossible on our own devices. It is difficult under persecution. We are not alone. Jesus remains with us as the Bread of Life until the end of time. Do you believe it?

Stephen is killed by a furious crowd as he looks up and sees Jesus at the right hand of the Father. Psalm 31 teaches us to pray with Jesus “Into Your hands, O Lord, I commend my spirit.” Jesus will pray this at the Cross. Jesus Himself encounters in John 6 stiff-necked people who wants more miracles. They are about to abandon Him.

The readings of today show Stephen filled with the Holy Spirit speaking before the Sanhedrin brought there by people filled with lies and hatred. Facing them with wisdom and strength from Heaven he appears like an angel, unfazed by the opposition. In the gospel reading, Jesus pushes back on his followers who want to be with Him after the multiplication because they were fed. Why did Stephen follow Jesus? Why do you and I? Because we are blessed when we follow the law of the Lord as Psalm 119 refrains today.

Peter gives a wonderful speech on Acts 3. He tells the crowd they killed Jesus and then acquits them inviting them to repentance. We sing with Psalm 4 our wish to see the face of our God. And our Lord delivers on our need. Jesus comes in the midst of the apostles and says peace be with you. He says that to you and me. For the next 40 days after his resurrection Jesus helped the Apostles understand. He seeks to help us too.

Jesus walks on the Sea and says: “Do no be afraid.” Lord let Your mercy be on us as we place our trust in You.