He (Jesus) became what we are that He might make us what He is.-(St. Athanasius of Alexandria).
In today’s first reading, “the people with whom Stephen was in dialog “could not withstand the wisdom and the Spirit with which he spoke.”
>Fast forward three centuries and we find St. Athanasius similarly gifted with wisdom and the Spirit, and also in trouble for his teachings.
Although never martyred, he was sent into exile five times; he was also kidnapped. He endured many false accusations and even an assassination attempt.
In today’s gospel, we see Jesus challenging and questions the motives of those who were looking for him. Are you following Jesus because of human satisfaction, needs and wants?Are we interested in pleasing the heart of our Heavenly Father? Jesus knows our hearts.
In our days, there are so many heretics more than ever before that we don’t even think about. We are in great danger. We need men like Stephen and Athansius to stand for the truth that we profess in God.
Today we ask St. Athanasius for his intercession in helping us as individuals and as a Church to stand up and persevere for what we know is foundationally true. When we face varying degrees of non-support, be it disinterest, resistance, or even persecution, St. Athanasius pray for us!
Joe
