The Acts of the Apostles
Chapter 7
1. Then the high priest asked him, "Are these things so?"
(Acts of the Apostles Chapter 7 verse 1)
The high priest was more than aware that the accusations brought against Stephen were totally false. His appearance reflected holiness therefore although, the evidence it spoke for itself, the high priest wanted the answer from the direct source.
At times we experience similar situations in which we might blame others or even You my God for the negative situations that take place. You are in control of all that takes place, therefore we might try to justify ourselves by holding You responsible. However because You love us so much that, You try to probe us by means of others or by means of the same situation, so that we grow in our relationship with You and within ourselves and ultimately admit our guilt instead of blaming others.
2. And Stephen replied: "Brothers and fathers, listen to me. The God of glory appeared to our ancestor Abraham when he was in Mesopotamia, before he lived in Haran, 3. and said to him, ' Leave your country and your relatives and go to the land that I will show you."
(Acts of the Apostles Chapter 7 verses 2 to 3)
As in the case of Abraham at some point in our lives we may all experience of unbelief. A period of crisis and dryness were our spiritual resources may be depleted and we may feel as if we do not believe anymore. As in the case of Abraham the variables existing in his environment were of no help to him for those of his environment and even members of his family worshipped false idols in order for them to have a good crop and even periods of rain to nourish their crops. At some point in our lives You oh God intervenes in our lives and calls us to move away from the unhealthy situation.
I would like to share with you this moving and experience of this ex iranian muslim, who from a muslim converted to Christianity. God intervened at a critical moment in his life and manifested himself to him
The experience of an ex muslim
4. Then he left the country of the Chaldeans and settled in Haran. After his father died, God had him move from there to this country in which you are now living.
(Acts of the Apostles Chapter 7 verse 4)
Oh Jesus I thank You for acting according to a perfect plan in my life one, of precision and detail. If it had not been for the sudden illness of my grandfather we may not have come to Malta from where You chose to talk to me. I thank You for all that I left behind me in order to follow You even though as a child I was not aware that Your plan for me was gradually unfolding.
5. He did not give him any of it as a heritage, not even a foot's length, but promised to give it to him as his possession and to his descendants after him, even though he had no child.
(Acts of the Apostles Chapter 7 verse 5)
Oh God when You promise us something You give it as a whole. You never go back on Your word, even if like Your people many times we go back on our word and do not keep our small part of the contract or end up violating all the terms and conditions. Unlike us humans You remain faithful to the end.
6. And God spoke in these terms, that his descendants would be resident aliens in a country belonging to others, who would enslave them and mistreat them during four hundred years.
(Acts of the Apostles Chapter 7 verse 6)
During the course of our lives on our way to the promised land we experience periods of tribulations which at times asin the case of Your people may take an extensive period of time to pass during which we may become tired and weary. However during such moments it is healthy to keep in mind, that as much as God has permitted us to endure such moments he will also make provisions for our liberation from such moments. He is always in control and is aware how much our threshold can take. Moreover God is able to give us the extra needed stamina in order to cope with the demands of the situation, so never fear or despair if you are experiencing such moments, your salvation may be closer than you consider it to be. God is in the driving seat. He is in control.
7. 'But I will judge the nation that they serve,' said God, 'and after that they shall come out and worship me in this place.'
(Acts of the Apostles Chapter 7 verse 7)
If you have been cheated out of a promotion, inheritance, of any thing that is rightfully yours, do not become intent on seeking revenge. Stop and pray, for Jesus has already made plans to bring you out of this moment of Exodus in your life and even mine. If there is anyone who is in a position to pass judgement on others in a true just, loving and merciful way it is You my one and only father. Only You are worthy of such an authority. Therefore please do not be hasty to pass judgment on others, and even if the outcome is not in your favour and even mine accept is as being the will of God who for some reason wanted the outcome to be in this way. Currently I had a collision with another commuter who violated the stop sign and hit my car in its mid section. We both agreed on the fact that the other driver collided with me, however it is the decision of the warden who drafted the sketch to portray what appears to be the case of how it all took place. Even though oh Jesus I have doubt in humans, I trust my case into Your hands and may Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.
8. Then he gave him the covenant of circumcision. And so Abraham became the father of Isaac and circumcised him on the eight day; and Isaac became the father of Jacob, and Jacob of the twelve patriarchs.
(Acts of the Apostles Chapter 7 verse 8)
Throughout the course of our live You did works of wonder and awe. On going back on our lives if we had to recollect we would all remember circumstances when You intervened and made what was considered to be impossible to be possible. You told Abraham to circumcise Isaac in his flesh. You tell us to circumcise our souls to You so that we may be always a gift to You. Every day of my life oh Jesus even though life is not always easy I keep in mind that I have dedicated my life to You and that my life is in Your hands. It is one big adventure that has its beginning in and ending in Your presence.
9. The Patriarchs jealous of Joseph, sold him into Egypt; but God was with him, and 10. rescued him from all his afflictions, and enabled him to win favor and to show wisdom when he stood before the Pharaoh, the king of Egypt, who appointed him ruler over Egypt and over all his household.
(Acts of the Apostles Chapter 7 verses 9 to 10)
At times our enemies or those in whom we may not be in their good books even because we are Your followers may make plans to cheat us out of what You have planned for us, however You love us so much that You reverse the circumstances and bring us out of the circumstances by changing it in our favour. I have witnessed this many times oh God my father, when I applied for interviews with particular firms and for some reason You blocked the process. In the period following this event the company declared bankruptcy. You had saved me from such situation. Thanks my God and my father.
11. Now there came a famine throughout Egypt and Canaan, and great suffering, and our ancestors could find no food. 12. But when Jacob heard that there was grain in Egypt, he sent our ancestors there on their first visit.
(Acts of the Apostles Chapter 7 verses 11 to 12)
As in the course of our lives we experience moments of crisis. We seem to be living in times when our resources are depleted. We think we are in control, however You are our soul provider. You are in control of ou situations.
13. On the second visit Joseph made himself known to his brothers, and Joseph's family became known to Pharaoh.
(Acts of the Apostles Chapter 7 verse 13)
After moments or long periods of tribulations You make yourself known to us by means of the same situation and this greatly helps to strengthen our relationship together. Gradually we become part of Your inner circle partakers in both tribulations and even consolations. On the other hand when we experience this spiritual growth the forces of evil will also become aware and will be on alert in order to start persecuting us. Therefore when in this phase of our lives, our level of prayer even during consolations is to be on the increase due to the possibility of a surprise attack under the belt by the evil one.
14. Then Joseph sent and invited his father Jacob and all his relatives to come to him, seventy-five in all;
(Acts of the Apostles Chapter 7 verse 14)
Although Joseph had had a strained relationship with his brothers oh God You give us the much needed healing in order to reunite with those who had trespassed against us. This inner healing can only be given by God and not by any other means. The difference from healing as given by the world to that given by God, is that Your healing is complete and conclusive, however healing of the world is based on psychotherapy or counselling which after a enduring a similar situation as a consequences the previous hurts could re surface and become active again in our conscious.
15. so Jacob went down to Egypt. He himself died there as well as our ancestors, 16. and their bodies were brought back to Shechem and laid in the tomb that Abraham had bought for a sum of silver from the sons of Hamor in Shechem.
(Acts of the Apostles Chapter 7 verses 15 to 16)
Up to the last phase of his life Jacob was called to renounce his will and obey Your will oh God. Jacob was the seed from which a new nation of twelve tribes was to be born. The seed was to die in corruption however it was to bear many fruit of which we can trace our descent. Therefore if we do not match up with a particular aim in life, never fear for our Father surely has something better in store. However in order to receive from you oh God we have to let go of our own issues and agendas. Once we are empty of our sinful self, You oh God can perform miracles and bring outstanding changes in our lives.
17. "But as the time drew near for the fulfillment of the promise that God had made to Abraham, our people in Egypt increased and multiplied 18. until another king who had not known Joseph ruled over Egypt.
(Acts of the Apostles Chapter 7 verses 17 to 18)
Oh God when Your plans begin to unfold in our lives we are open to many surprises that at times have something to do with the means that You chose to bring about the needed change. At times we may not understand these extraneous forces. A typical example is the rise of this Islamic group called ISIS that is killing many christians throughout the world. For some reason God has permitted this group to grow more powerful, however I strongly belief that the rise of this group is part of a bigger plan that only You oh God are aware of.
19. He dealt craftily with our race and forced our ancestors to abandon their infants so that they would die.
(Acts of the Apostles Chapter 7 verse 19)
When You oh God desire something that is either for our good or for the good of others the forces of evil are enabled in order to destroy the good that has been planned to take place.
20. At this time Moses was born, and he was beautiful before God. For three months he was brought up in his father's house; 21 and when he was abandoned, Pharaoh's daughter adopted him and brought him up as her own son.
(Acts of the Apostles Chapter 7 verses 20 to 21)
Oh God You love us so much that you never leave us forsaken or without good leaders. During this period of crisis in the world where Your values are being twisted and rejected or substituted for the ways of the world, You sent us people such as Pope Francesco whom by him you have brought a spiritual boost in the life of the Church. During other critical moments You also sent sent Francis, St. Augustine of Hippo and many others who had been instrumental in the taking care of your flocks.
22. So Moses was instructed in all the wisdom of the Egyptians and was powerful in his words and deeds.
(Acts of the Apostles Chapter 7 verse 22)
Whenever You desire oh God You can give birth or permit to be born significant others in Your kingdom and assign them particular roles such as caring for us and even being rebellious to our sins by being strong enough to raise issues that have been dormant even in the Roman Catholic Church and give them a new perspective for the good of us sinners and for the growth of the Church at large. I thank You oh God for being so close to us and for being so in touch with our reality and human condition there is nobody like You. Amen.
23. "When he was forty years old, it came into his heart to visit his relatives, the Israelites.
(Acts of the Apostles Chapter 7 verse 23)
Oh God as You have told me many times Your timing is far different than my timing. As in the case of Moses You prompt our hearts in order to enable us for some assignment that would be part of Your plan for our salvation and that of others. On reflecting we would not have an idea about where these ideas are really coming from but the real reason is that they are of spiritual origin and not of human origin. Even though some of our ideas such as 'build me an ark for I am going to send rain to drown the world!" may appear to be rather wild, however in truth these ideas may be according to Your plan for our salvation.
24. When he saw one of them being wronged, he defended the oppressed man and avenged him by striking down the Egyptian.
(Acts of the Apostles Chapter 7 verse 24)
As in the case of Moses we are not to be silent or blind to a situation where a brother or sister in Jesus Christ are being treated unfairly or even if the person happens to be our selves. It may not be civil and lawful to commit murder of the body to compensate for the injustice however if it needs be we are to give support and evidence if necessary in order to help the injured party in the best way we can.
25. He supposed that his kinsfolk would understand that God through him was rescuing them, but they did not understand.
(Acts of the Apostles Chapter 7 verse 25)
At times we can easily be misunderstood and even misunderstand each other's motives when we do something that is according to the will of God in the eyes of those who do not believe in You my God. Some may call us religious fanatics or obsessed or even crazy if we obey the teachings of the Roman Catholic Church which at times as labelled as being outdated in its beliefs and values., however in spite of such accusations we are to remain firm in our belief and keep on believing in both Yourself and Your Church.
26. The next day he came to some of them as they were quarreling and tried to reconcile them, saying, 'Men, you are brothers; why do you wrong each other?' 27. But the man who was wronging his neighbor pushed Moses aside, saying, 'Who made you a ruler and a judge over us? 28. Do you want to kill me as you killed the Egyptian yesterday?"
(Acts of the Apostles Chapter 7 verses 26 to 28)
Even though Your servant Moses tried to bring peace and unity among the people he was refused by them. When we try to reconcile people by referring to Your Word some rebel in anger, because there are of us those who have rebelled against You and have become so proud that they want to acknowledge no form of discipline or authority.
29. When he heard this, Moses fled and became a resident alien in the land of Midian. There he became the father of two sons.
(Acts of the Apostles Chapter 7 verse 29)
At times oh God we act on impulse or out of fear as in the case of Moses, however in truth this is still part of Your plan for us. During such moments You are working behind the scenes on our behalf. Thanks oh God for never stopping Your work even though we may not be aware and appreciate it.
30. "Now when forty years had passed, an angel appeared to him in the wilderness of Mount Sinai, in the flame of a burning bush.
(Acts of the Apostles Chapter 7 verse 30)
This is what I call waiting in faith my God. At times you may appear to be silent. All communication with You may appear to have been broken because of our sinful condition, or maybe You permit us to experience periods of aridity or desert environment where we can stop and reflect about our relationship with You and others and maybe stumble on those areas that still require further maintenance or even new issues, may have cropped up.
31.When Moses saw it, he was amazed at the sight; and as he approached to look, there came the voice of the LORD: 32. 'I am the God of your ancestors, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.' Moses began to tremble and did not dare to look.
(Acts of the Apostles Chapter 7 verses 31 to 32)
At times oh God we may think that we believe in You but in truth we may be believing to much in ourselves and not in You. There is always the risk of our trying to become God ourselves, therefore we are always to be on alert over ourselves in order not to overstep our role. In faith we are to acknowledge You as our one and only God and give our worship only to You.
33. Then the Lord said to him, "Take off the sandals from your feet, for the place where you are standing is holy ground.
(Acts of the Apostles Chapter 7 verse 33)
It is Your Holy presence oh God my Father which makes a place holy. Therefore when we talk about you with friends or family or even passers by with whom You want us to meet according to Your plan and purpose, such moments become holy for your presence is there among us and we become three proclaiming Your Holy Name. Oh how blessed are such moments.
34. I have surely seen the mistreatment of my people who are in Egypt and have heard their groaning, and I have come down to rescue them. Come now, I will send you to Egypt.'
(Acts of the Apostles Chapter 7 verse 34)
Oh God You love me so much that even though at times we turn a deaf ear to you, You never turn Your back on me. You are always faithful and loving and always have a plan ready to save me from my situations. Even though the situation may appear gloomy You always send people as in the case of Moses, Saint Frances, Pope Francesco among others to save us from our sinful selves and negative world events.
35. "It was this Moses whom they rejected when they said, 'Who made you a ruler and a judge?" and whom God now sent as both ruler and liberator through the angel who appeared to him in the bush.
(Acts of the Apostles Chapter 7 verse 35)
At times we may take particular people for granted, such people whom in truth God has chosen to enlighten us with. Such people may be our wives husbands and even our friends. Therefore we are always to have our ears tuned on God for we never know by whom You oh God are trying to reach us by.
36. He led them out, having performed wonders and signs in Egypt, at the Red Sea, and in the wilderness for forty years.
(Acts of the Apostles Chapter 7 verse 36)
Even though Your chosen people gave Moses a hard time due to their negative attitude to him which later on improved, Moses never gave up, but continued to obey Your will and lead the people according to the ways and rules that You passed on to him. Even though at times we may not pay attention to such people or leaders such as Moses, You will not stop using them to be of guidance to us in order for us to keep on walking in Your ways.
37. This is the Moses who said to the Israelites, 'God will raise up a prophet for you from your own people as he raised me up.' 38. He is the one who was in the congregation in the wilderness with the angel who spoke to him at Mount Sinai, and with our ancestors; he received living oracles to give to us.
(Acts of the Apostles Chapter 7 verses 37 to 38)
Funnily enough people who have been discriminated in the world have been chosen by God and used by Him to perform outstanding events. St Frances during his time was considered as a simpleton, however God chose him to bring a revolution in the Roman Catholic Church. He was an important pawn in God's hands.
39. Our ancestors were unwilling to obey him, they pushed him aside, and in their hearts they turned back to Egypt, 40. saying to Aaron, 'Make gods for us who will lead the way for us; as for this Moses who led us out from the land of Egypt, we do not know what has happened to him.'
(Acts of the Apostles Chapter 7 verses 39 to 40)
Oh Jesus loving Father it is very easy for us to return to our old ways which is symbolized by Egypt which is our old life, that is before we decided to or before You stimulated our hearts to walk in Your ways. We might not turn away physically but in our hearts we might have the longing to follow our old ways and give them priority over our new self that is formed on Your ways. The evil does his best to persuade us in going against Your ways by making us become depressed and this leads to a lack of faith and hope in You and Your ways.
41. At that time they made a calf, offered a sacrifice to the idol, and reveled in the works of their hands.
(Acts of the Apostles Chapter 7 verse 41)
As humans oh Jesus we may have many of these idols. These may range in both quality and even quantity. Anything that is not according to Your will and that has the risk of taking your place is worthy of being eligible to become a god or even God in our lives. However we must be very careful for we have only one God who loves us and is jealous in the sense that He will never accept being given the second or last place in our lives, for he honestly loves us.
42. But God turned away from them and handed them over to worship the host of heaven, as it is written in the book of the prophets: 'Did you offer to me slain victims and sacrifices forty years in the wilderness O house of Israel? 43. No; you took along the tent of Moloch, and the star of your god Rephan, the images that you made to worship; so I will remove you beyond Babylon.'
(Acts of the Apostles Chapter 7 verses 42 to 43)
Oh God as Christians and Roman Catholics or faithful of any other denomination this is our greatest risk. If we continue to turn our backs on You one, fine day we will look for You without success and this will be a great tragedy. May it never be oh God, for I cannot spend one second without You in my life. Although as a sinner I am weak my spirit is thirsty for You.
44. Our ancestors in turn brought it in with Joshua when they dispossessed the nations that God drove out before our ancestors. And it was there until the time of David, 46. who found favor with God and asked that he might find a dwelling place for the house of Jacob. 47. But it was Solomon who built a house for him.
(Acts of the Apostles Chapter 7 verses 44 to 47)
Throughout the course of time, oh God You continue to unfold Your plan for the world. Particular changes may have had been planned since the time of one minister, pope head of state, however when the proper time arrives as in the case of the Papacy of Pope Francesco the Synod actually took place along with the changes that will result from it.
48. Yet the Most High does not dwell in houses made with human hands, as the prophet says, 49. 'Heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool. What kind of house will you build for me, says the Lord or what is the place of my rest? 50. Did not my hand make all these things?"
(Acts of the Apostles Chapter 7 verses 48 to 50)
Although we believe that God's presence is found in the Church, we cannot limit His presence only to such places of worship. God is present everywhere and at any time in the world and in our lives. Whenever we unite in prayer or on meditation on You oh Jesus You are among us and Your presence is greatly felt. During such moments of meditation on Your word I feel Your presence with me. It is You who gives me these reflections both for myself and even to share with others, so that we can all experience growth in our spiritual life with You.
51. "You stiff-necked people, uncircumcised in heart and ears, you are forever opposing the Holy Spirit just as your ancestors used to do.
(Acts of the Apostles Chapter 7 verse 51)
This is basically our problem today oh Jesus, we have become so stiff necked that it takes alot for us to believe, place our trust in You and walk in Your ways. Since the time of childhood society is training our children to be scientific and therefore when some end up abusing science and end up trying to even refute your presence. How I wish oh God that the flame of faith is rekindled again Amen.
52. Which of the prophets did your ancestors not persecute? They killed those who foretold the coming of the Righteous One, and now you have become his betrayers and murderers. 53. You are the ones that received the law as ordained by angels, and yet you have not kept it."
(Acts of the Apostles Chapter 7 verses 52 to 53)
It is irrelevant if we agree or not oh Jesus we are also guilty of Your murder and betrayal. Every time we deal unfairly with others we are being unfair to You, every time we are murdering somebody with our tongues we are also doing it to You. We have been given the commandments and the golden rule love others as yourself, however we often violate this commandment.
54. When they heard these things they became enraged and ground their teeth at Stephen. 55 But filled with the Holy Spirit he gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God and Jesus standing at the right hand of God.
(Acts of the Apostles Chapter 7 verses 54 to 55)
During such moments of persecution and even throughout our everyday life our eyes are to be fixed on heaven and not on the earth with all its temptations, for it is from You oh Jesus that we receive Your blessings and encouragement that enables us to live both as humans and as Christians. You are our fortress during moments of persecution our benefactor during times of needs and as always You are our loving father at all times.
56. "Look," he said, " I see the heavens opened and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God! 57. But they covered their ears, and with a loud shout all rushed together against him. 58. Then they dragged him out of the city and began to stone him; and the witnesses laid their coats at the feet of a young man named Saul.
(Acts of the Apostles Chapter 7 verses 56 to 58)
During moments of persecution oh Jesus You prepared the heavens to receive the soul of Your servant Stephen. As You did with him, You will surely do with us when it is our time to leave this earth if we remain faithful to our belief in You.
59. While they were stoning Stephen, he prayed, "Lord Jesus receive my spirit."60. Then he knelt down and cried out in a loud voice, "Lord do not hold this sin against them." When he had said this, he died. And Saul approved of their killing him.
(Acts of the Apostles Chapter 7 verses 59 to 60)
Oh Jesus Stephen sets for us an example to follow in our spiritual life. Not only did he give testimony of You by his words but he also imitated You by his actions. As You forgave Your accusers while being crucified, Stephen also forgave his accusers while being stoned to death. However even during such situations among those who were approving of Young Stephen's death, there was the future defender of the Roman Catholic Church, however at that time he was persecuting You by approving of the killing of many Christians.
Oh Jesus I would like to end this chapter with a prayer for many Christians who are currently being raped, beheaded and crucified because they believe in You. May we all give testimony of our faith in all of our environments Amen.
(Acts of the Apostles Chapter 7 verses 2 to 3)
As in the case of Abraham at some point in our lives we may all experience of unbelief. A period of crisis and dryness were our spiritual resources may be depleted and we may feel as if we do not believe anymore. As in the case of Abraham the variables existing in his environment were of no help to him for those of his environment and even members of his family worshipped false idols in order for them to have a good crop and even periods of rain to nourish their crops. At some point in our lives You oh God intervenes in our lives and calls us to move away from the unhealthy situation.
I would like to share with you this moving and experience of this ex iranian muslim, who from a muslim converted to Christianity. God intervened at a critical moment in his life and manifested himself to him
The experience of an ex muslim
4. Then he left the country of the Chaldeans and settled in Haran. After his father died, God had him move from there to this country in which you are now living.
(Acts of the Apostles Chapter 7 verse 4)
Oh Jesus I thank You for acting according to a perfect plan in my life one, of precision and detail. If it had not been for the sudden illness of my grandfather we may not have come to Malta from where You chose to talk to me. I thank You for all that I left behind me in order to follow You even though as a child I was not aware that Your plan for me was gradually unfolding.
5. He did not give him any of it as a heritage, not even a foot's length, but promised to give it to him as his possession and to his descendants after him, even though he had no child.
(Acts of the Apostles Chapter 7 verse 5)
Oh God when You promise us something You give it as a whole. You never go back on Your word, even if like Your people many times we go back on our word and do not keep our small part of the contract or end up violating all the terms and conditions. Unlike us humans You remain faithful to the end.
6. And God spoke in these terms, that his descendants would be resident aliens in a country belonging to others, who would enslave them and mistreat them during four hundred years.
(Acts of the Apostles Chapter 7 verse 6)
During the course of our lives on our way to the promised land we experience periods of tribulations which at times asin the case of Your people may take an extensive period of time to pass during which we may become tired and weary. However during such moments it is healthy to keep in mind, that as much as God has permitted us to endure such moments he will also make provisions for our liberation from such moments. He is always in control and is aware how much our threshold can take. Moreover God is able to give us the extra needed stamina in order to cope with the demands of the situation, so never fear or despair if you are experiencing such moments, your salvation may be closer than you consider it to be. God is in the driving seat. He is in control.
7. 'But I will judge the nation that they serve,' said God, 'and after that they shall come out and worship me in this place.'
(Acts of the Apostles Chapter 7 verse 7)
If you have been cheated out of a promotion, inheritance, of any thing that is rightfully yours, do not become intent on seeking revenge. Stop and pray, for Jesus has already made plans to bring you out of this moment of Exodus in your life and even mine. If there is anyone who is in a position to pass judgement on others in a true just, loving and merciful way it is You my one and only father. Only You are worthy of such an authority. Therefore please do not be hasty to pass judgment on others, and even if the outcome is not in your favour and even mine accept is as being the will of God who for some reason wanted the outcome to be in this way. Currently I had a collision with another commuter who violated the stop sign and hit my car in its mid section. We both agreed on the fact that the other driver collided with me, however it is the decision of the warden who drafted the sketch to portray what appears to be the case of how it all took place. Even though oh Jesus I have doubt in humans, I trust my case into Your hands and may Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.
8. Then he gave him the covenant of circumcision. And so Abraham became the father of Isaac and circumcised him on the eight day; and Isaac became the father of Jacob, and Jacob of the twelve patriarchs.
(Acts of the Apostles Chapter 7 verse 8)
Throughout the course of our live You did works of wonder and awe. On going back on our lives if we had to recollect we would all remember circumstances when You intervened and made what was considered to be impossible to be possible. You told Abraham to circumcise Isaac in his flesh. You tell us to circumcise our souls to You so that we may be always a gift to You. Every day of my life oh Jesus even though life is not always easy I keep in mind that I have dedicated my life to You and that my life is in Your hands. It is one big adventure that has its beginning in and ending in Your presence.
9. The Patriarchs jealous of Joseph, sold him into Egypt; but God was with him, and 10. rescued him from all his afflictions, and enabled him to win favor and to show wisdom when he stood before the Pharaoh, the king of Egypt, who appointed him ruler over Egypt and over all his household.
(Acts of the Apostles Chapter 7 verses 9 to 10)
At times our enemies or those in whom we may not be in their good books even because we are Your followers may make plans to cheat us out of what You have planned for us, however You love us so much that You reverse the circumstances and bring us out of the circumstances by changing it in our favour. I have witnessed this many times oh God my father, when I applied for interviews with particular firms and for some reason You blocked the process. In the period following this event the company declared bankruptcy. You had saved me from such situation. Thanks my God and my father.
11. Now there came a famine throughout Egypt and Canaan, and great suffering, and our ancestors could find no food. 12. But when Jacob heard that there was grain in Egypt, he sent our ancestors there on their first visit.
(Acts of the Apostles Chapter 7 verses 11 to 12)
As in the course of our lives we experience moments of crisis. We seem to be living in times when our resources are depleted. We think we are in control, however You are our soul provider. You are in control of ou situations.
13. On the second visit Joseph made himself known to his brothers, and Joseph's family became known to Pharaoh.
(Acts of the Apostles Chapter 7 verse 13)
After moments or long periods of tribulations You make yourself known to us by means of the same situation and this greatly helps to strengthen our relationship together. Gradually we become part of Your inner circle partakers in both tribulations and even consolations. On the other hand when we experience this spiritual growth the forces of evil will also become aware and will be on alert in order to start persecuting us. Therefore when in this phase of our lives, our level of prayer even during consolations is to be on the increase due to the possibility of a surprise attack under the belt by the evil one.
14. Then Joseph sent and invited his father Jacob and all his relatives to come to him, seventy-five in all;
(Acts of the Apostles Chapter 7 verse 14)
Although Joseph had had a strained relationship with his brothers oh God You give us the much needed healing in order to reunite with those who had trespassed against us. This inner healing can only be given by God and not by any other means. The difference from healing as given by the world to that given by God, is that Your healing is complete and conclusive, however healing of the world is based on psychotherapy or counselling which after a enduring a similar situation as a consequences the previous hurts could re surface and become active again in our conscious.
15. so Jacob went down to Egypt. He himself died there as well as our ancestors, 16. and their bodies were brought back to Shechem and laid in the tomb that Abraham had bought for a sum of silver from the sons of Hamor in Shechem.
(Acts of the Apostles Chapter 7 verses 15 to 16)
Up to the last phase of his life Jacob was called to renounce his will and obey Your will oh God. Jacob was the seed from which a new nation of twelve tribes was to be born. The seed was to die in corruption however it was to bear many fruit of which we can trace our descent. Therefore if we do not match up with a particular aim in life, never fear for our Father surely has something better in store. However in order to receive from you oh God we have to let go of our own issues and agendas. Once we are empty of our sinful self, You oh God can perform miracles and bring outstanding changes in our lives.
17. "But as the time drew near for the fulfillment of the promise that God had made to Abraham, our people in Egypt increased and multiplied 18. until another king who had not known Joseph ruled over Egypt.
(Acts of the Apostles Chapter 7 verses 17 to 18)
Oh God when Your plans begin to unfold in our lives we are open to many surprises that at times have something to do with the means that You chose to bring about the needed change. At times we may not understand these extraneous forces. A typical example is the rise of this Islamic group called ISIS that is killing many christians throughout the world. For some reason God has permitted this group to grow more powerful, however I strongly belief that the rise of this group is part of a bigger plan that only You oh God are aware of.
19. He dealt craftily with our race and forced our ancestors to abandon their infants so that they would die.
(Acts of the Apostles Chapter 7 verse 19)
When You oh God desire something that is either for our good or for the good of others the forces of evil are enabled in order to destroy the good that has been planned to take place.
20. At this time Moses was born, and he was beautiful before God. For three months he was brought up in his father's house; 21 and when he was abandoned, Pharaoh's daughter adopted him and brought him up as her own son.
(Acts of the Apostles Chapter 7 verses 20 to 21)
Oh God You love us so much that you never leave us forsaken or without good leaders. During this period of crisis in the world where Your values are being twisted and rejected or substituted for the ways of the world, You sent us people such as Pope Francesco whom by him you have brought a spiritual boost in the life of the Church. During other critical moments You also sent sent Francis, St. Augustine of Hippo and many others who had been instrumental in the taking care of your flocks.
22. So Moses was instructed in all the wisdom of the Egyptians and was powerful in his words and deeds.
(Acts of the Apostles Chapter 7 verse 22)
Whenever You desire oh God You can give birth or permit to be born significant others in Your kingdom and assign them particular roles such as caring for us and even being rebellious to our sins by being strong enough to raise issues that have been dormant even in the Roman Catholic Church and give them a new perspective for the good of us sinners and for the growth of the Church at large. I thank You oh God for being so close to us and for being so in touch with our reality and human condition there is nobody like You. Amen.
23. "When he was forty years old, it came into his heart to visit his relatives, the Israelites.
(Acts of the Apostles Chapter 7 verse 23)
Oh God as You have told me many times Your timing is far different than my timing. As in the case of Moses You prompt our hearts in order to enable us for some assignment that would be part of Your plan for our salvation and that of others. On reflecting we would not have an idea about where these ideas are really coming from but the real reason is that they are of spiritual origin and not of human origin. Even though some of our ideas such as 'build me an ark for I am going to send rain to drown the world!" may appear to be rather wild, however in truth these ideas may be according to Your plan for our salvation.
24. When he saw one of them being wronged, he defended the oppressed man and avenged him by striking down the Egyptian.
(Acts of the Apostles Chapter 7 verse 24)
As in the case of Moses we are not to be silent or blind to a situation where a brother or sister in Jesus Christ are being treated unfairly or even if the person happens to be our selves. It may not be civil and lawful to commit murder of the body to compensate for the injustice however if it needs be we are to give support and evidence if necessary in order to help the injured party in the best way we can.
25. He supposed that his kinsfolk would understand that God through him was rescuing them, but they did not understand.
(Acts of the Apostles Chapter 7 verse 25)
At times we can easily be misunderstood and even misunderstand each other's motives when we do something that is according to the will of God in the eyes of those who do not believe in You my God. Some may call us religious fanatics or obsessed or even crazy if we obey the teachings of the Roman Catholic Church which at times as labelled as being outdated in its beliefs and values., however in spite of such accusations we are to remain firm in our belief and keep on believing in both Yourself and Your Church.
26. The next day he came to some of them as they were quarreling and tried to reconcile them, saying, 'Men, you are brothers; why do you wrong each other?' 27. But the man who was wronging his neighbor pushed Moses aside, saying, 'Who made you a ruler and a judge over us? 28. Do you want to kill me as you killed the Egyptian yesterday?"
(Acts of the Apostles Chapter 7 verses 26 to 28)
Even though Your servant Moses tried to bring peace and unity among the people he was refused by them. When we try to reconcile people by referring to Your Word some rebel in anger, because there are of us those who have rebelled against You and have become so proud that they want to acknowledge no form of discipline or authority.
29. When he heard this, Moses fled and became a resident alien in the land of Midian. There he became the father of two sons.
(Acts of the Apostles Chapter 7 verse 29)
At times oh God we act on impulse or out of fear as in the case of Moses, however in truth this is still part of Your plan for us. During such moments You are working behind the scenes on our behalf. Thanks oh God for never stopping Your work even though we may not be aware and appreciate it.
30. "Now when forty years had passed, an angel appeared to him in the wilderness of Mount Sinai, in the flame of a burning bush.
(Acts of the Apostles Chapter 7 verse 30)
This is what I call waiting in faith my God. At times you may appear to be silent. All communication with You may appear to have been broken because of our sinful condition, or maybe You permit us to experience periods of aridity or desert environment where we can stop and reflect about our relationship with You and others and maybe stumble on those areas that still require further maintenance or even new issues, may have cropped up.
31.When Moses saw it, he was amazed at the sight; and as he approached to look, there came the voice of the LORD: 32. 'I am the God of your ancestors, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.' Moses began to tremble and did not dare to look.
(Acts of the Apostles Chapter 7 verses 31 to 32)
At times oh God we may think that we believe in You but in truth we may be believing to much in ourselves and not in You. There is always the risk of our trying to become God ourselves, therefore we are always to be on alert over ourselves in order not to overstep our role. In faith we are to acknowledge You as our one and only God and give our worship only to You.
33. Then the Lord said to him, "Take off the sandals from your feet, for the place where you are standing is holy ground.
(Acts of the Apostles Chapter 7 verse 33)
It is Your Holy presence oh God my Father which makes a place holy. Therefore when we talk about you with friends or family or even passers by with whom You want us to meet according to Your plan and purpose, such moments become holy for your presence is there among us and we become three proclaiming Your Holy Name. Oh how blessed are such moments.
34. I have surely seen the mistreatment of my people who are in Egypt and have heard their groaning, and I have come down to rescue them. Come now, I will send you to Egypt.'
(Acts of the Apostles Chapter 7 verse 34)
Oh God You love me so much that even though at times we turn a deaf ear to you, You never turn Your back on me. You are always faithful and loving and always have a plan ready to save me from my situations. Even though the situation may appear gloomy You always send people as in the case of Moses, Saint Frances, Pope Francesco among others to save us from our sinful selves and negative world events.
35. "It was this Moses whom they rejected when they said, 'Who made you a ruler and a judge?" and whom God now sent as both ruler and liberator through the angel who appeared to him in the bush.
(Acts of the Apostles Chapter 7 verse 35)
At times we may take particular people for granted, such people whom in truth God has chosen to enlighten us with. Such people may be our wives husbands and even our friends. Therefore we are always to have our ears tuned on God for we never know by whom You oh God are trying to reach us by.
36. He led them out, having performed wonders and signs in Egypt, at the Red Sea, and in the wilderness for forty years.
(Acts of the Apostles Chapter 7 verse 36)
Even though Your chosen people gave Moses a hard time due to their negative attitude to him which later on improved, Moses never gave up, but continued to obey Your will and lead the people according to the ways and rules that You passed on to him. Even though at times we may not pay attention to such people or leaders such as Moses, You will not stop using them to be of guidance to us in order for us to keep on walking in Your ways.
37. This is the Moses who said to the Israelites, 'God will raise up a prophet for you from your own people as he raised me up.' 38. He is the one who was in the congregation in the wilderness with the angel who spoke to him at Mount Sinai, and with our ancestors; he received living oracles to give to us.
(Acts of the Apostles Chapter 7 verses 37 to 38)
Funnily enough people who have been discriminated in the world have been chosen by God and used by Him to perform outstanding events. St Frances during his time was considered as a simpleton, however God chose him to bring a revolution in the Roman Catholic Church. He was an important pawn in God's hands.
39. Our ancestors were unwilling to obey him, they pushed him aside, and in their hearts they turned back to Egypt, 40. saying to Aaron, 'Make gods for us who will lead the way for us; as for this Moses who led us out from the land of Egypt, we do not know what has happened to him.'
(Acts of the Apostles Chapter 7 verses 39 to 40)
Oh Jesus loving Father it is very easy for us to return to our old ways which is symbolized by Egypt which is our old life, that is before we decided to or before You stimulated our hearts to walk in Your ways. We might not turn away physically but in our hearts we might have the longing to follow our old ways and give them priority over our new self that is formed on Your ways. The evil does his best to persuade us in going against Your ways by making us become depressed and this leads to a lack of faith and hope in You and Your ways.
41. At that time they made a calf, offered a sacrifice to the idol, and reveled in the works of their hands.
(Acts of the Apostles Chapter 7 verse 41)
As humans oh Jesus we may have many of these idols. These may range in both quality and even quantity. Anything that is not according to Your will and that has the risk of taking your place is worthy of being eligible to become a god or even God in our lives. However we must be very careful for we have only one God who loves us and is jealous in the sense that He will never accept being given the second or last place in our lives, for he honestly loves us.
42. But God turned away from them and handed them over to worship the host of heaven, as it is written in the book of the prophets: 'Did you offer to me slain victims and sacrifices forty years in the wilderness O house of Israel? 43. No; you took along the tent of Moloch, and the star of your god Rephan, the images that you made to worship; so I will remove you beyond Babylon.'
(Acts of the Apostles Chapter 7 verses 42 to 43)
Oh God as Christians and Roman Catholics or faithful of any other denomination this is our greatest risk. If we continue to turn our backs on You one, fine day we will look for You without success and this will be a great tragedy. May it never be oh God, for I cannot spend one second without You in my life. Although as a sinner I am weak my spirit is thirsty for You.
44. Our ancestors in turn brought it in with Joshua when they dispossessed the nations that God drove out before our ancestors. And it was there until the time of David, 46. who found favor with God and asked that he might find a dwelling place for the house of Jacob. 47. But it was Solomon who built a house for him.
(Acts of the Apostles Chapter 7 verses 44 to 47)
Throughout the course of time, oh God You continue to unfold Your plan for the world. Particular changes may have had been planned since the time of one minister, pope head of state, however when the proper time arrives as in the case of the Papacy of Pope Francesco the Synod actually took place along with the changes that will result from it.
48. Yet the Most High does not dwell in houses made with human hands, as the prophet says, 49. 'Heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool. What kind of house will you build for me, says the Lord or what is the place of my rest? 50. Did not my hand make all these things?"
(Acts of the Apostles Chapter 7 verses 48 to 50)
Although we believe that God's presence is found in the Church, we cannot limit His presence only to such places of worship. God is present everywhere and at any time in the world and in our lives. Whenever we unite in prayer or on meditation on You oh Jesus You are among us and Your presence is greatly felt. During such moments of meditation on Your word I feel Your presence with me. It is You who gives me these reflections both for myself and even to share with others, so that we can all experience growth in our spiritual life with You.
51. "You stiff-necked people, uncircumcised in heart and ears, you are forever opposing the Holy Spirit just as your ancestors used to do.
(Acts of the Apostles Chapter 7 verse 51)
This is basically our problem today oh Jesus, we have become so stiff necked that it takes alot for us to believe, place our trust in You and walk in Your ways. Since the time of childhood society is training our children to be scientific and therefore when some end up abusing science and end up trying to even refute your presence. How I wish oh God that the flame of faith is rekindled again Amen.
52. Which of the prophets did your ancestors not persecute? They killed those who foretold the coming of the Righteous One, and now you have become his betrayers and murderers. 53. You are the ones that received the law as ordained by angels, and yet you have not kept it."
(Acts of the Apostles Chapter 7 verses 52 to 53)
It is irrelevant if we agree or not oh Jesus we are also guilty of Your murder and betrayal. Every time we deal unfairly with others we are being unfair to You, every time we are murdering somebody with our tongues we are also doing it to You. We have been given the commandments and the golden rule love others as yourself, however we often violate this commandment.
54. When they heard these things they became enraged and ground their teeth at Stephen. 55 But filled with the Holy Spirit he gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God and Jesus standing at the right hand of God.
(Acts of the Apostles Chapter 7 verses 54 to 55)
During such moments of persecution and even throughout our everyday life our eyes are to be fixed on heaven and not on the earth with all its temptations, for it is from You oh Jesus that we receive Your blessings and encouragement that enables us to live both as humans and as Christians. You are our fortress during moments of persecution our benefactor during times of needs and as always You are our loving father at all times.
56. "Look," he said, " I see the heavens opened and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God! 57. But they covered their ears, and with a loud shout all rushed together against him. 58. Then they dragged him out of the city and began to stone him; and the witnesses laid their coats at the feet of a young man named Saul.
(Acts of the Apostles Chapter 7 verses 56 to 58)
During moments of persecution oh Jesus You prepared the heavens to receive the soul of Your servant Stephen. As You did with him, You will surely do with us when it is our time to leave this earth if we remain faithful to our belief in You.
59. While they were stoning Stephen, he prayed, "Lord Jesus receive my spirit."60. Then he knelt down and cried out in a loud voice, "Lord do not hold this sin against them." When he had said this, he died. And Saul approved of their killing him.
(Acts of the Apostles Chapter 7 verses 59 to 60)
Oh Jesus Stephen sets for us an example to follow in our spiritual life. Not only did he give testimony of You by his words but he also imitated You by his actions. As You forgave Your accusers while being crucified, Stephen also forgave his accusers while being stoned to death. However even during such situations among those who were approving of Young Stephen's death, there was the future defender of the Roman Catholic Church, however at that time he was persecuting You by approving of the killing of many Christians.
Oh Jesus I would like to end this chapter with a prayer for many Christians who are currently being raped, beheaded and crucified because they believe in You. May we all give testimony of our faith in all of our environments Amen.
