His face was like that of an angel

Scripture readings for the Monday of the Third Week of Easter can be found at http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/041618.cfm

In today's first reading at Mass, we continue to hear from the Acts of the Apostles and are up to the part where St. Stephen, the first Martyr and one of the first deacons, is brought before the authorities and accused him of blasphemy due to St. Stephen preaching about Jesus Christ. St. Stephen remained steadfast and true to his calling in preaching about Jesus and the fact that Jesus died for all of us. Due to the jealously of those in authority, he was falsely accused of blasphemy. But Stephen had the courage to remain true to his vocation as a follower of Jesus Christ. He was willing to bear false accusations against him for the name of Jesus, even if it meant death. Stephen was so sure of himself and of the Message of Jesus Christ, that all who saw him saw his face like that of an angel.

Stephen knew the words of Jesus, who said, "This is the work of God, that you believe in the one He sent." (June 6:29) Jesus is the one sent by God for our salvation. We are called, like St. Stephen, to share the Good News that Jesus came to earth for our salvation, and died for our sins. There may be those in our lives, whether at work or in our family, that may not want to hear this news, and as a result gives us a hard time because of our faith in Jesus Christ. We may not face death like St. Stephen, but we are called to remain true to our faith in Jesus Christ, and be willing not to compromise or change from this faith in Him just because of any problems or difficulties we may face as a result of our faith. Life may get tough at times, but we are to remain strong in our faith in Jesus Christ and the love and salvation he has brought into our lives.