Acts 7:51 - 8:1 / John 6:30-35
Everyday we use a lot of words, and we may wonder what effects do they have.
Words can be powerless, but they can also be powerful.
When someone uses a lot of words but if they are pointless or unclear, disorganized, illogical, or difficult to understand, then those words are powerless and meaningless.
But words can be powerful when they evoke or bring about a feeling, memory, image, or reaction and even an action.
In the 1st reading, when Stephen spoke to the people, the elders and the scribes, his words were sharp but truthful, and it brought about a hostile reaction.
The listeners were infuriated and they ground their teeth at him.
What Stephen said was inspired by the Holy Spirit, but the people were so angered by it that they decided to kill him so as to silence him forever.
Such is the power of words and it cost Stephen his life.
In the gospel, Jesus said that He is the Bread of Life, and whoever comes to Him will never be hungry, and whoever believes in Him will never thirst.
Those are powerful words of truth and we must decide what our response will be.
We can be indifferent to it or even ignore it.
But when we believe in the words of Jesus, we will be filled with life and love.
And our words will also be words of truth that will echo the Word of God.