In the First Reading this Sunday, Jesus allowed St Stephen to run into a very difficult trial. Had Jesus forgotten about his faithful disciple, his holy deacon? Not at all. Jesus did save St Stephen; he did come to the rescue. Not just in the way we expected. He strengthened Stephen by giving him a vision of heavenly glory. That is not his most common tactic. Usually he comes to his followers’ aid in less dramatic ways. Let’s think about our own experience. How has Christ comforted and strengthened us in our trials and moments of decision? Many times it has been through the kindness and help of other people. This is his favourite way to come to our aid.
Jesus is like a general watching the progress of a battle from the top of a hill. He keeps his eyes on all his soldiers. When he sees one soldier start to waver or fall under an especially heavy attack, he sends a messenger to another soldier nearby, telling him to help the one who’s in trouble. Each one of us is both of the soldiers.
Sometimes we feel our strength give way, and God sends one of his friends to bolster us. Other times we are the soldier he sends; we are given the mission of strengthening those who are under attack. This is a great privilege. After all, Jesus is the Lord of the universe.
Who is he sending us to this week? Who is the Christian soldier near us being worn down by discouragement or temptation? Who is the Stephen beside us who needs a glimpse of Christ’s light in our eyes? As Jesus comes to strengthen us in Holy Communion, let’s renew our commitment to be his faithful followers, messengers of his glory to those in need.
Jesus allows suffering, precisely because he knows that true happiness comes not through comfort, but through virtue. Jesus knows in the face of suffering, we are able to exercise our fidelity. A married couple show their love for each other not on the honeymoon, but in the moments of crisis that take place afterwards. Jesus knows that suffering can actually become a stimulus to salvation and holiness — it can open our hearts to the vision of glory, just as it did for St Stephen. In a fallen world, we will always have to face suffering. Christ permits it, because he wants us to release our full potential.
