Acts 6:8-15 / John 6:22-29
We may wonder what are the signs of holiness. Certainly we know that it goes beyond being seen always praying and going for daily Mass.
Essentially, people who are holy live their lives centered on love of God and love of neighbour.
They do not pass judgement on others for the simple reason that they are aware of their own failings and sinfulness.
They accept the purification that comes from the struggles and sufferings they face and they have learnt to be tolerant of the narrowness and shortcomings of others.
They let the Spirit lead them in the directions and ways of God, which may be different from their own plans and ambitions.
And their lives radiate warmth, goodness and love. We may think that such people would be easily accepted by others. That's what we think and like to think.
Unfortunately, such good and holy people are not often accepted by others.
In the 1st reading, we hear about how some people pounced on Stephen the deacon even though he had done nothing wrong and in fact was doing good and holy deeds.
In history, many others have suffered the similar fate as Stephen, and yet it is also obvious that they walked the same path as Jesus.
So when we feel discouraged and dismayed that we get criticized and put down for doing the good and right thing, then we need to look at Jesus.
Stephen kept his focus on Jesus and kept walking towards Him. May we also do likewise - keep focused and keep walking towards Jesus.