One of the things that we should think about but we rather avoid thinking about is the final moments of our life on earth.
Even praying for a peaceful and happy death is not at the top of our prayer list and we make a cursory mention of it.
Yet, we know that there are many unpleasant things in our hearts that we would not like to be reminded of in those closing moments of our life on earth.
We cannot deny that there are resentment, anger, bitterness and unforgiveness lingering in our hearts and these come up now and cause unrest and even turmoil in our hearts.
So when are we going to let go of these disturbing feelings and memories?
If we don't wish to carry them to our graves, then what are we going to do about it?
In the 1st reading, as Stephen was being stoned to death, he cried out an invocation "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.".
Then he knelt down and said aloud, "Lord, do not hold this sin against them."
Just as Jesus forgave His enemies on the Cross, Stephen likewise followed his Master in forgiving his killers even as they were stoning him.
Let us reflect on the Cross and on the last two sentences on Stephen as his life comes to an end on this earth.
Stephen knew who to turn to and what to let go of in order to have a peaceful death.
May we think often about the final moments of our life on earth, so that we too will do what Stephen did.