Ordinary Time is just around the corner. Let’s consider it a mandate to acknowledge and reflect on World Communications Day this year (2).

Stephen’s vision of Christ sitting at the right hand of God empowers him. How does your “vision” of who Jesus is inspire you? What is your “bright morning star”?

It’s always fascinating to ask children what heaven is like. Their answers are quite detailed; many are happy to augment their descriptions with a full-color illustration on paper. The radiance of God in one way or another is depicted, as are various angelic beings, clouds, and the occasional smiling grandmother.

Raising his eyes in prayer, Jesus said: “I’m praying not only for them But also for those who will believe in me Because of them and their witness about me.

The stoning of Saint Stephen described in the first reading this Seventh Sunday of Easter reminded me of an incident several years back on the day after Christmas, Stephen’s feast day.

I heard of a family where the dad was concerned that his many kids weren’t getting along. As they began to reach adulthood the kids each went their own ways. They were strong willed and talented and a few of their arguments turned serious and some were no longer speaking to each other.

“Father, they are your gift to me.” Guess who Jesus is talking about when he makes that statement in today’s gospel? All of us.

Jesus asks us to come forward and accept the gift of life-giving water. We pray for the grace to accept that invitation.

Do not free a camel of the burden of its humps; you may be freeing it from being a camel.