Cristy Li

Stoning of St. Stephen, First Martyr for Christ

“You stiffed necked people, uncircumcised in heart and ears, you are forever opposing the Holy Spirit just as your ancestors used to. Which of the Prophets did your ancestors not persecute? They killed those who foretold the coming of the Righteous One and now you have become His betrayers and murderers. You are the one who had received the Law as ordained by angels and yet you have not kept it.”

The Stoning of St. Stephen

When they heard these things they became enraged and ground their teeth at Stephen but filled with the Holy Spirit he gazed into heaven and seen the Glory of God and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. “Look,” Stephen said, “I see the heavens opened and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God” but they covered their ears and with a loud shout all rushed together against him. Then they dragged Stephen out of the city and began to stone him and the witnesses laid their coats at the feet of a young man named Saul. While they were stoning Stephen he prayed: “Lord Jesus receive my spirit.”

Then Stephen knelt down and cried out in a loud voice, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” When Stephen said this, he died and Saul approved of their killing. –Acts 7:51-60 – 8:1A

Prayer and Praise for Deliverance From Enemies

In you, O Lord I seek refuge, do not let me ever be put to shame. I your righteousness deliver me. Incline your ear to me, rescue me speedily. Be a rock of refuge for me, a strong fortress to save me.

You are indeed my rock and my fortress, for Your name’s sake lead me and guide me, take me out of the net that is hidden for me, for You are my refuge. Into Your hand I commit my spirit, You have redeemed me O Lord, faithful God.

You hate those who pay regard to worthless idols but I trust in the Lord. I will exalt and rejoice in Your steadfast love because You have seen my affliction, You have taken heed of my adversities and have not delivered me into the hand of the enemy. You have set my feet in a broad place.

Do not let me be put to shame, O Lord, for I call on You, let the wicked be put to shame, let them go dumbfounded to Sheol. Let the lying lips be stilled that speak insolently against the righteous with pride and contempt.

Blessed be the Lord, for He has wonderfully shown His steadfast love to me when I was beset as a city under siege.

Love the Lord, all you His Saints. The Lord preserves the faithful but abundantly repays the one who acts haughtily. Be strong and let your heart take courage, all you who wait for the Lord.  –Psalm 31:1-8, 17-18, 21, 23-24

Related: For Today’s Bible Readings and More Visit: -USCCB

Jesus said, “Man shall not live by bread alone
but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.” –Matthew 4:4
Image Courtesy: The Tidings News – Archdiocese of Los Angeles

The Glories of God’s Law

Blessed are those whose way is blameless, who walk in the Law of the Lord. Blessed are those who keep His testimonies, who seek Him with their whole heart, who also do no wrong but walk in His ways.

How can a young man (person) keep his (their) way pure? By guarding it according to Thy word. With my whole heart I seek Thee, let me not wander from Thy Commandments.

I have laid up Thy Word in my heart, that I might not sin against Thee.

Even though Princes sit plotting against me, thy servant will meditate on Thy statutes. Thy testimonies are my delight, they are my counselors.

When I told of my ways, Thou didst answer me. Teach me Thy statutes. Make me understand the way of Thy precepts and I will meditate on Thy wondrous works.

Put false ways far from me and graciously teach me Thy Law. I have chosen the way of faithfulness, I set Thy ordinances before me. I cleave to Thy testimonies O Lord, let me not be put to shame.

Teach me O Lord the way of Thy statutes and I will keep it to the end.

Psalm 119:1-3, 9-11, 23-24, 26-27, 29-31, 33

Our Lord’s Prayer -Courtesy: Sister Veronica Paul

Related: For Today’s Bible Readings and More Visit: -USCCB

Worry Ends When FAITH in God Begins -Share Catholic

• Christ is Risen, Creator of All, He has Shown Pity on All People

Related: For Today’s Bible Readings and More Visit: -USCCB

Christ is Risen, Who Made All Things,
He Has Shown His Mercy on All People  -Image Courtesy: Mercy Lives 

The Greatness and Goodness of God

Rejoice in the Lord – you righteous. Praise the Lord with the lyre.

For the word of the Lord is upright and all His work is done in faithfulness. He loves righteousness and justice, the earth is full of the steadfast love of the Lord.

The Lord looks down from heaven, He sees all humankind. From where He sits enthroned He watches all the inhabitants of the earth–he who fashions the hearts of them all and observes all their deeds.

A king is not saved by his great army, a warrior is not delivered by his strength. The war horse is a vain hope for victory and by its great might it cannot save.

Truly the eye of the Lord is on those who fear Him, on those who hope in His steadfast love, to deliver their soul from death and to keep them alive in famine. Psalm 33:1-2, 4-5, 13-19

Related: For Today’s Bible Readings and More Visit: -USCCB