SELECTED REFLECTIONS FOR THE WEEK
SEVENTH SUNDAY OF EASTER (C)
1ST READING: Acts 17:55-60
RESPONSORIAL PSALM: Ps 97:1 and 2b.6 and 7c.9 (R. cf. la.9a)
2ND READING: Revelation 22: 12- 14.16- 17.20
GOSPEL READING: John 17:20-26
🌾 Sunday Reflection: Hope for Nigeria in God’s Word 🌾
The readings this Sunday call us to lift our eyes beyond the struggles of this world and fix our hearts on God’s enduring promise of justice, unity, and eternal life.
In the First Reading (Acts 7:55-60), Stephen—though persecuted and stoned—remained full of the Holy Spirit. He looked beyond the violence around him and saw the glory of Jesus at the right hand of God. Nigeria today, with its challenges of insecurity, corruption, tribalism, and economic hardship, often feels like a land where truth is stoned and righteousness suffers. But like Stephen, we are called to look up and see that God is still on the throne. Our faith, if steadfast, assures us of victory, even in suffering.
The Responsorial Psalm reminds us: “The Lord is king, the most high above all the earth.” Despite how broken our system may seem, God remains sovereign. Earthly kings and politicians may fail, but God's justice and truth will prevail. Nigerians can take comfort in the fact that God sees, God knows, and God will act in due season.
In the Second Reading (Revelation 22:12-20), we hear Jesus proclaim, “Behold, I am coming soon.” This is not just a distant promise—it is a present hope. For Nigerians thirsting for justice, peace, and progress, Christ offers the “water of life without price.” He reminds us that every action, every prayer, every good deed matters. “My reward is with me,” He says—meaning, He will not forget the faithful.
And finally, in the Gospel (John 17:20-26), Jesus prays for unity—“that they may be one.” Nigeria’s deep divisions—ethnic, religious, political—are wounds that weaken our national soul. But Christ calls us to unity, to see each other not as enemies, but as brothers and sisters. Unity in Christ is not mere tolerance; it is deep love rooted in the knowledge that we are one in Him.
🇳🇬 Message for Nigeria:
Though the stones of hardship may fly, though the future seems uncertain, we must hold onto our faith. Jesus stands by us. He prays for our unity and promises His return with justice and reward. Let us build a better Nigeria—one family, one faith, one hope in Christ.
🙏 Prayer:
Lord Jesus, heal our land. Unite us as one. Strengthen our faith, and give us hope beyond the present darkness. Like Stephen, help us to see your glory, even in pain. Amen.
BIBIANA CYRIL-UZOIGWE It is quite amazing how the disciples and Christians of old would happily accept their fate of death for Jesus Christ and the purpose of the spread of the word of God.
They had so much conviction, faith and resilience for what and who they believed in. Thanks to them the gospel of Jesus got to us.
Can this act be said of us today?
If Jesus was to come in our time, can He trust us that much to continue His legacy of spreading the word to the ends of the earth? Can he trust you to be His Ambassador?
Their attitudes in and out won them the name "Christians" which is used to describe Jesus followers because they reflected whom they and preached.
What can be said about us (21st century Christians)?
Can people see us and detect whom we preach even without carrying the Bible or coming out from the church or during house to house / hospital visitations?
Are we a Chameleon Christian? Acts well among brethren in church but back home act differently?
Can people look at us and want to fellowship with us? Or do they do "tufia kwa!" whenever they see us?
At work, market places, on the streets, in the buses etc. do our attitudes attract people to God or draw them away from God?
Are you that person whom because of you someone had said he'd rather remain a pagan than go to the Christ you claim to believe in?
Today's first reading calls us to deep reflection of self. It calls us to do a deep analysis of our personality in Jesus Christ not as a church goer but an intentional Christian.
Stephen was the second person after Jesus Christ to pray for his persecutors. Despite seeing the faces of His killers, he prayed for them, holding no grudge before he breathed his last. (His face wouldn't have reflected God's glory if he held on to grudge or cursed his killers - he would have missed his crown)
I am sure Saul, who became Paul would have regretted supervising his death after his conversion.
Do we hold grudges or keep records of wrongs? Do you know that that one offence or grudge or malice whatsoever you are holding on can prevent you from seeing God if you die now?
No one is promised tomorrow. No one knows the time of his/ her death or how it will come. So why hold on to something that can land you to eternal damnation?
I am sure Stephen's life would have been Saul's relentless drive for the spread of the gospel throughout his journey.
Saul would have regretted many things he did to the Christians but who don die don die even though we know God willed it so and had other plans.
This is a call for us for sober reflection and total surrender.
Who would people say you are to them?
Now a personalized question, if you die now, what would you be remembered for?
Would the heavenly beings rejoice over your homecoming?
Are you just following routines, being religious or do you have that personal relationship and conviction of who you say you believe in?
As we start a new life, May we not end up missing our crown after our race here on earth. Amen
Okolo Samuel Ikechukwu (KSM)Your Life is an Aggregate of what you see, What you see you become.... Focus on the right things
The first reading reveals the focus of St. Stephen, his vision of Christ's victory and he became like Christ in death.. Forgiving them who murdered him
John tells us in the second reading of the sure rewards of those who makes God their Alpha(Priority) and Omega (Redeemer) like Jesus they will shine forth as stars in this world.
Then Jesus in the Gospel raises his eyes to Heaven to show us his focus... As David already confirmed in psalm 121
Dear Brethren the Holy Mother Church wants us to be mindful of the Eye gate. As the scripture reminds us "Guide your hearts with all thine might because in them are the issues of Life"
Abraham could not become until He saw... God gave him an inheritance as far as he could see.. God also made him look up and see his descendants in stars.
St. Paul began to teach us after Jesus that "What we behold, we mirror into our lives and we are metamorphosized from one Glory into another. 2cor.3 :18
Jesus then teaches us that the eyes is the light of our bodies we must all ensure This light is the Holy Spirit because as Jesus promised He will lead us into all truth... He is the one who guides the eyes of your mind when your focus is to please God.
A mind filled with Greed will steal, cheat and kill
A mind fill lust will indulge in all manner of sexual ills
The eyes and the ears are usually the gates that feeds the mind with what they are full of.
Holy Spirit be my Light that I may believe and focus only on your guidance until I see your Glory...in Jesus Mighty Name Amen
Mary Benita Igwe
The readings today emphasize the importance of unity, love, and faithfulness. In the first reading, Stephen's vision of Jesus standing at the right hand of God gives him strength to forgive his persecutors, showing us the power of love and forgiveness in the face of adversity.
The second reading from Revelation highlights Jesus' promise to come soon and the invitation to all to come to Him for the water of life. It emphasizes the importance of being prepared and faithful, washing our robes and entering the city through the gates.
In the Gospel, Jesus prays for unity among His followers, that they may be one as He and the Father are one. He desires that we may be with Him, beholding His glory, and that the love of the Father may be in us.
These readings remind us that:
1. Forgiveness and love can conquer even the greatest challenges.
2. Jesus is coming soon, and we must be prepared.
3. Unity among believers is crucial for the world to believe in Jesus' mission.
May we strive for unity, love, and faithfulness, and may Jesus' words guide us on our journey.
Chris-Marie Obi
What state will God meet me in?
This is the question that stirs my soul. When the end comes—will I be ready? Will my hands be clean and my heart right before God?
What reward am I expecting?
Surely, I shall reap the fruit of my labor. I cannot plant Gover and expect to harvest Orange. The principle is clear: God rewards each person according to their deeds—whether good or bad.
This is not the time for complacency. This is the time to examine myself, to wash my garment in righteousness, and prepare for the final day. The day when all shall stand before Him, and every hidden thing will be brought to light.
May I be found faithful. May I not be ashamed.
Innocent Benedict Ifeanyichukwu
In the first reading, St. Stephen expressed the true meaning of LOVE even as he was about to give up. He still prayed for his prosecutors, and that same prayer reminded us exactly what Jesus Christ did on the cross of Calvary *THAT WE SHOULD LEARN HOW TO FORGIVE THOSE THAT OFFENDED US EVEN BEFORE THEY WILL ASK FOR FORGIVENESS*
The second reading shows that everybody will be rewarded accordingly.
Gospel (Third reading). Still in line with LOVE and which is the full definition of Christ life, the gospel shows that even as time has come for Jesus to return to his Father, He still had us (His Church) in His mind thereby praying for us all to His Heavenly Father for togetherness and oneness in Love and unity .
Awesome reflections
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