Mass Readings Reflection (Nov 8, 2024)
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As Eastertide draws to a close, the Church turns our attention to some of the most urgent and passionate themes of the Christian life: bold witness, unstoppable hope, and the unity Jesus so deeply desires for us.
In the Acts of the Apostles, we meet Stephen in his final moments radient and not defeated. Surrounded by a furious crowd and facing death, he doesn’t cower. Instead, he looks heavenward and sees Jesus standing at the right hand of God, as if rising in honor of His faithful witness. Stephen’s courage isn't just inspiring, it’s a blueprint for Christian living. Even as stones fly, he echoes Jesus’ own words: “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” Forgiveness in the face of hate is the power of the Resurrection in action.
Psalm 97 thunders with majesty: “The Lord is king!” God’s justice isn’t a theory, it’s alive. It is proclaimed by the heavens and shining before all nations. The psalm reminds us that no matter how chaotic the world becomes, God reigns. That’s the bedrock of our peace.
Then comes a bold promise from the final pages of Revelation: “Behold, I am coming soon.” Christ isn’t distant or detached...He’s on His way. His words are both a wake-up call and an invitation: “Let the one who is thirsty come.” Jesus is offering living water to all who long for something more. In a world addicted to noise and distraction, that thirst is real. Jesus alone satisfies it.
Finally, in John’s Gospel, we’re invited into the heart of Jesus’ prayer before His Passion. And what’s on His mind? Us. He’s praying for everyone who would one day believe in Him—that we would be united, not just in words, but in real, transformative love. “That they may be one, as we are one.” The kind of unity Jesus prays for isn’t shallow agreement—it’s deep, soul-level communion that reveals God's love to the world.
This Sunday’s readings aren’t just for quiet reflection—they’re a call to action. Be bold like Stephen. Trust in God’s reign like the psalmist. Stay thirsty for grace, like the Church in Revelation. And above all, live the unity Jesus prayed for—with hearts wide open and lives rooted in love.
Mike Schramm lives in southeastern Minnesota with his wife and seven children. There, he teaches theology and philosophy at Aquinas High School and Viterbo University. He earned his MA in theology from St. Joseph's College in Maine and an MA in philosophy from Holy Apostles College. He is also the managing editor of the Voyage Compass, an imprint of Voyage Comics and Publishing, and co-hosts the Voyage Podcast with Jacob Klatte.
