#Synagogue of the Freedmen

[mybeautifulchristianjourney]

Stephen Is Seized While Doing Miracles And Proclaiming Christ With Irresistible Wisdom

(6) 8 Now Stephen, full of grace and power, was doing great wonders and signs among the people. 9 But some of the ones from the synagogue being called “of Freedmen”— both Cyrenians and Alexandrians, and the ones from Cilicia and Asia— rose-up, debating with Stephen. 10 And they were not able to resist the wisdom and the Spirit with which he was speaking. 11 Then they secretly-induced men [to begin] saying that “We have heard him speaking blasphemous words against Moses and God”. 12 And they stirred-up the people and the elders and the scribes. And having suddenly-come-upon him, they seized him and brought him to the Sanhedrin. 13 And they put-forward false witnesses, saying, “This man does not cease speaking words against this holy place and the Law. 14 For we have heard him saying that this Jesus the Nazarene will tear-down this place, and change the customs which Moses handed-down to us”. 15 And having looked-intently at him, all the ones sitting in the council [chamber] saw his face was like a face of an angel.

(7) 1 And the high priest said, “Do these things hold so?”

Stephen Reports Seeing Jesus At The Right Hand of God. The Jews Stone Him To Death

(7) 54 And hearing these things, they were infuriated in their hearts, and were grinding their teeth at him. 55 But being full of the Holy Spirit, having looked-intently into heaven, he saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right side of God. 56 And he said, “Behold— I see the heavens opened, and the Son of Man standing on the right side of God!” 57 And having cried-out with a loud voice, they held-shut their ears, and rushed against him with-one-accord. 58 And having driven him outside of the city, they were stoning him. And the witnesses laid-aside their garments at the feet of a young-man being called Saul. 59 And they were stoning Stephen while he was calling-upon Jesus and saying, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit”. 60 And having put down his knees, he cried-out with a loud voice, “Lord, do not set this sin against them”. And having said this, he fell-asleep. — Acts 6:8-7:1 and 7:54-60 | Disciples’ Literal New Testament (DLNT) Disciples' Literal New Testament: Serving Modern Disciples by More Fully Reflecting the Writing Style of the Ancient Disciples, Copyright © 2011 Michael J. Magill. All Rights Reserved. Published by Reyma Publishing Cross References: Exodus 23:1; Leviticus 24:14; Leviticus 24:16; 1 Kings 21:10; 1 Kings 21:13; Job 16:9; Psalm 31:5; Ezekiel 1:1; Ezekiel 3:23; Daniel 12:2; Hosea 7:4; Matthew 3:16; Matthew 5:22; Matthew 5:44; Matthew 8:12; Matthew 24:15; Matthew 26:61; Matthew 27:32; Mark 8:25; Mark 16:19; Luke 20:1; John 2:19; John 4:48; Acts 2:9; Acts 6:5; Acts 7:2

[leroibobo]

the paradesi synagogue in kochi, kerala, india. the first synagogue on the site, built by the city's longstanding malabari jewish community, was destroyed by portugese who'd colonized the area in their persecution of locals. it was rebuilt in 1568 by spanish and portugese jews who fled persecution and later expulsion, hence the name "paradesi" ("foreign" in malayalam).

these sephardic jews and a community of jews of mixed african and european descent who were formerly enslaved ("meshuchrarim", "freedmen" in hebrew) joined the malabari jewish community of kochi and somewhat integrated. they were later joined by some iraqi, persian, yemenite, afghan, and dutch sephardic jews. the middle eastern and european jews were considered "white jews" and permitted malabari jews and meshuchrarim to worship in the synagogue. however, in what seems like a combination of local caste dynamics and racism, malabari jews were not allowed full membership. meshuchrarim weren't allowed in at all, but were instead made to sit outside during services and not allowed their own place of worship or other communal rights.

as the "white jews" tended to be rather wealthy from trade, this synagogue contains multiple antiquities. they include belgian glass chandeliers on its walls, hand-painted porcelain tiles from china on its floors, and an oriental rug that was gifted by ethiopian emperor haile selassie.

[roman-catholic-mass-readings]

15th April >> Mass Readings (Except USA)

Monday Third Week of Eastertide 

(Liturgical Colour: White. Year: B(II))

First Reading Acts of the Apostles 6:8-15 They could not get the better of Stephen because the Spirit prompted what he said.

Stephen was filled with grace and power and began to work miracles and great signs among the people. But then certain people came forward to debate with Stephen, some from Cyrene and Alexandria who were members of the synagogue called the Synagogue of Freedmen, and others from Cilicia and Asia. They found they could not get the better of him because of his wisdom, and because it was the Spirit that prompted what he said. So they procured some men to say, ‘We heard him using blasphemous language against Moses and against God.’ Having in this way turned the people against him as well as the elders and scribes, they took Stephen by surprise, and arrested him and brought him before the Sanhedrin. There they put up false witnesses to say, ‘This man is always making speeches against this Holy Place and the Law. We have heard him say that Jesus the Nazarene is going to destroy this Place and alter the traditions that Moses handed down to us.’ The members of the Sanhedrin all looked intently at Stephen, and his face appeared to them like the face of an angel.

The Word of the Lord

R/ Thanks be to God.

Responsorial Psalm Psalm 118(119):23-24,26-27,29-30

R/ They are happy whose life is blameless. or R/ Alleluia!

Though princes sit plotting against me I ponder on your statutes. Your will is my delight; your statutes are my counsellors.

R/ They are happy whose life is blameless. or R/ Alleluia!

I declared my ways and you answered; teach me your statutes. Make me grasp the way of your precepts and I will muse on your wonders.

R/ They are happy whose life is blameless. or R/ Alleluia!

Keep me from the way of error

and teach me your law. I have chosen the way of truth with your decrees before me.

R/ They are happy whose life is blameless. or R/ Alleluia!

Gospel Acclamation John 20:29

Alleluia, alleluia!

‘You believe, Thomas, because you can see me. Happy are those who have not seen and yet believe.

Alleluia!

Or:

Matthew 4:4

Alleluia, alleluia!

Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.

Alleluia!

Gospel John 6:22-29 Do not work for food that cannot last, but for food that endures to eternal life.

After Jesus had fed the five thousand, his disciples saw him walking on the water. Next day, the crowd that had stayed on the other side saw that only one boat had been there, and that Jesus had not got into the boat with his disciples, but that the disciples had set off by themselves. Other boats, however, had put in from Tiberias, near the place where the bread had been eaten. When the people saw that neither Jesus nor his disciples were there, they got into those boats and crossed to Capernaum to look for Jesus. When they found him on the other side, they said to him, ‘Rabbi, when did you come here?’

Jesus answered:

‘I tell you most solemnly, you are not looking for me because you have seen the signs but because you had all the bread you wanted to eat. Do not work for food that cannot last, but work for food that endures to eternal life, the kind of food the Son of Man is offering you, for on him the Father, God himself, has set his seal.’

Then they said to him, ‘What must we do if we are to do the works that God wants?’ Jesus gave them this answer, ‘This is working for God: you must believe in the one he has sent.’

The Gospel of the Lord

R/ Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.

[troybeecham]

Today, the Second Day of Christmas, the Church remembers St. Stephen, proto-Deacon and proto-Martyr.

Ora pro nobis.

Stephen (Greek: Στέφανος Stéphanos, meaning "wreath, crown" and by extension "reward, honor", often given as a title rather than as a name, Hebrew: ‫סטפנוס הקדוש‬‎), (c. AD 5 – c. AD 34) traditionally venerated as the protomartyr or first martyr of Christianity, was according to the Acts of the Apostles a deacon in the early church at Jerusalem who aroused the enmity of members of various synagogues by his teachings. Accused of blasphemy, at his trial, he made a long speech denouncing the Jewish authorities who were sitting in judgment on him and was then stoned to death. His martyrdom was witnessed by Saul of Tarsus, a Pharisee who would later become a follower of Jesus and known as Paul the Apostle.

The only primary source for information about Stephen is the New Testament book of the Acts of the Apostles. Stephen is mentioned in Acts 6 as one of the Greek-speaking Hellenistic Jews selected to participate in a fairer distribution of welfare to the Greek-speaking widows.

Saint Stephen is first mentioned in Acts of the Apostles as one of seven deacons appointed by the Apostles to distribute food and charitable aid to poorer members of the community in the early church. According to Orthodox belief, he was the eldest and is therefore called "archdeacon". As another deacon, Nicholas of Antioch, is specifically stated to have been a convert to Judaism, it may be assumed that Stephen was born Jewish, but nothing more is known about his previous life. The reason for the appointment of the deacons is stated to have been dissatisfaction among Hellenistic (that is, Greek-influenced and Greek-speaking) Jews that their widows were being slighted in preference to Hebraic ones in the daily distribution of food. Since the name "Stephanos" is Greek, it has been assumed that he was one of these Hellenistic Jews. Stephen is stated to have been full of faith and the Holy Spirit and to have performed miracles among the people.

It seems to have been among synagogues of Hellenistic Jews that he performed his teachings and "signs and wonders" since it is said that he aroused the opposition of the "Synagogue of the Freedmen", and "of the Cyrenians, and of the Alexandrians, and of them that were of Cilicia and Asia" (Acts 6:9). Members of these synagogues had challenged Stephen's teachings, but Stephen had bested them in debate. Furious at this humiliation, they suborned false testimony that Stephen had preached blasphemy against Moses and God. They dragged him to appear before the Sanhedrin, the supreme legal court of Jewish elders, accusing him of preaching against the Temple and the Mosaic Law.[Acts 6:9–14] Stephen is said to have been unperturbed, his face looking like "that of an angel"

In a long speech to the Sanhedrin comprising almost the whole of Acts Chapter 7, Stephen presents his view of the history of Israel. The God of glory, he says, appeared to Abraham in Mesopotamia, thus establishing at the beginning of the speech one of its major themes, that God does not dwell only in one particular building (meaning the Temple). Stephen recounts the stories of the patriarchs in some depth, and goes into even more detail in the case of Moses. God appeared to Moses in the burning bush [Acts 7:30–32], and inspired Moses to lead his people out of Egypt. Nevertheless, the Israelites turned to other gods [Acts 7:39–43]. This establishes the second main theme of Stephen's speech, Israel's disobedience to God. Stephen faced two accusations: that he had declared that Jesus would destroy the Temple in Jerusalem and that he had changed the customs of Moses.

Benedict XVI stated that St. Stephen appealed to the Jewish scriptures to prove how the laws of Moses were not subverted by Jesus but, instead, were being fulfilled. Stephen denounces his listeners as "stiff-necked" people who, just as their ancestors had done, resist the Holy Spirit. "Was there ever a prophet your ancestors did not persecute? They even killed those who predicted the coming of the Righteous One. And now you have betrayed and murdered him."[Acts 7:51–53]

Thus castigated, the account is that the crowd could contain their anger no longer. However, Stephen looked up and cried, "Look! I see heaven open and the Son of Man standing on the right hand of God!" He said that the recently executed Jesus was standing by the side of God. [Acts 7:54] According to Orthodox belief, the "Sanhedrin shouted and covered their ears, and rushed at him. They dragged him out of the city and stoned him, but the holy martyr prayed for his murderers." The people from the crowd, who threw the first stones, laid their coats down so as to be able to do this, at the feet of a "young man named Saul". However, according to the "Aramaic Bible in Plain English" and the "Weymouth New Testament" (Acts 22:20) through , St. Paul, earlier known as Saul admits he was not only standing by, he was holding the garments of those stoning St. Stephen. This has significance. The possible reason for this may be that many of the members of the Sanhedrin were wealthy. (See Luke 18:9-14) Some, who may have been wearing expensive garments may have been hesitant to throw or place them on the ground. Saul's willingness to hold the garments of those stoning Stephen might signify that he considered it an honor to do so at the time. Having held the garments, rather than just watching over them, would have made Saul much more of an accomplice. This could have added greatly to St. Paul's sense of guilt later on and illuminate why he considered himself to be the worst sinner of all. "Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners--of whom I am the worst." 1 Timothy 1:15 (New International Version) Approving of, and assisting in, the killing of a disciple that Christ himself had chosen, was an unforgettable act, which St. Paul regretted for the rest of his life. "But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his immense patience as an example for those who would believe in him and receive eternal life." 1 Timothy 1:16

Stephen prayed that the Lord would receive his spirit and his killers be forgiven, sank to his knees, and "fell asleep" [Acts 7:58–60]. Saul, a witness to the stoning, "approved of their killing him".[Acts 8:1] In the aftermath of Stephen's death, the remaining disciples fled to distant lands, many to Antioch.

We give you thanks, O Lord of glory, for the example of the first martyr Stephen, who looked up to heaven and prayed for his persecutors to your Son Jesus Christ, who stands at your right hand; where he lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, in glory everlasting. Amen.

[coffeeman777]

Acts 6:3,5,8-10

"Therefore, brethren, seek out from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business...And the saying pleased the whole multitude. And they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit...And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and signs among the people. Then there arose some from what is called the Synagogue of the Freedmen (Cyrenians, Alexandrians, and those from Cilicia and Asia), disputing with Stephen. And they were not able to resist the wisdom and the Spirit by which he spoke."

I want so much to be a man like Stephen was, full of faith and the Holy Spirit, with a servant's heart, preaching among the people with God's wisdom and doing great miracles. And I don't want this for myself only, but for every Christian in these last days. I dream of God's presence and power being so ubiquitous among Christians everywhere that no single Christian would become inappropriately praised or honored, and that everyone outside the Church must acknowledge that there's something very different about the Christians, that they aren't just another religious group. There is a real God among the Christians, and the whole world should see it!

[rinumia-blog]

SCRIPTURE READING ( ALEXANDRIA )

ACTS 3 vs 8-10 (NIV)

8 Now Stephen a man full of God's grace and power did great wonders and miraculous signs among the people.

9 Opposition arose, however, from the members of the Synagogue pf the Freedmen (as it was called ) - Jews of Cyrene and Alexandria as well as the provinces of Cilicia and Asia. The men began to argue with Stephen,

10 but they could not stand up against his wisdom or the Spirit by whom he spoke.

[jaguar726]

They produced false witnesses, who testified, “This fellow never stops speaking against this holy place and against the law"

Daily Verse Reading – Acts 6:8-15 Stephen Seized8 Now Stephen, a man full of God’s grace and power, performed great wonders and signs among the people. 9 Opposition arose, however, from members of the Synagogue of the Freedmen (as it was called)—Jews of Cyrene and Alexandria as well as the provinces of Cilicia and Asia—who began to argue with Stephen. 10 But they could not stand up against the…

[ongole]

DAILY SCRIPTURE READINGS (DSR) 📚 Group, Mon April 15th, 2024 ... Monday of the Third Week of Easter, Year B

Reading 1

_________

Acts 6:8-15

Stephen, filled with grace and power,

was working great wonders and signs among the people.

Certain members of the so-called Synagogue of Freedmen,

Cyreneans, and Alexandrians,

and people from Cilicia and Asia,

came forward and debated with Stephen,

but they could not withstand the wisdom and the Spirit with which he spoke.

Then they instigated some men to say,

“We have heard him speaking blasphemous words

against Moses and God.”

They stirred up the people, the elders, and the scribes,

accosted him, seized him,

and brought him before the Sanhedrin.

They presented false witnesses who testified,

“This man never stops saying things against this holy place and the law.

For we have heard him claim

that this Jesus the Nazorean will destroy this place

and change the customs that Moses handed down to us.”

All those who sat in the Sanhedrin looked intently at him

and saw that his face was like the face of an angel.

Responsorial Psalm

___________________

119:23-24, 26-27, 29-30

R. (1ab) Blessed are they who follow the law of the Lord!

or:

R. Alleluia.

Though princes meet and talk against me,

your servant meditates on your statutes.

Yes, your decrees are my delight;

they are my counselors.

R. Blessed are they who follow the law of the Lord!

or:

R. Alleluia.

I declared my ways, and you answered me;

teach me your statutes.

Make me understand the way of your precepts,

and I will meditate on your wondrous deeds.

R. Blessed are they who follow the law of the Lord!

or:

R. Alleluia.

Remove from me the way of falsehood,

and favor me with your law.

The way of truth I have chosen;

I have set your ordinances before me.

R. Blessed are they who follow the law of the Lord!

or:

R. Alleluia.

Alleluia

______

Mt 4:4b

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

One does not live on bread alone

but on every word that comes forth from the mouth of God.

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel

_________

Jn 6:22-29

[After Jesus had fed the five thousand men, his disciples saw him walking on the sea.]

The next day, the crowd that remained across the sea

saw that there had been only one boat there,

and that Jesus had not gone along with his disciples in the boat,

but only his disciples had left.

Other boats came from Tiberias

near the place where they had eaten the bread

when the Lord gave thanks.

When the crowd saw that neither Jesus nor his disciples were there,

they themselves got into boats

and came to Capernaum looking for Jesus.

And when they found him across the sea they said to him,

“Rabbi, when did you get here?”

Jesus answered them and said,

“Amen, amen, I say to you, you are looking for me

not because you saw signs

but because you ate the loaves and were filled.

Do not work for food that perishes

but for the food that endures for eternal life,

which the Son of Man will give you.

For on him the Father, God, has set his seal.”

So they said to him,

“What can we do to accomplish the works of God?”

Jesus answered and said to them,

“This is the work of God, that you believe in the one he sent.”

***

FOCUS AND LITURGY OF THE WORD

So the Twelve called together the community of the disciples and said,

“It is not right for us to neglect the word of God to serve at table.

Acts

The movie “Cabrini,” shows Mother Frances Cabrini and her sisters fixing up a ramshackle building in one of New York’s worst slums so they can house and feed the desperately poor immigrant orphans they came to serve.  When they move to a bigger property, Mother Cabrini even digs s a well late at night.

These scenes came vividly to mind when I read today’s passage from Acts in which the apostles say that “it is not right for us to neglect the word of God to serve at table,”

My first reaction was a snarky “Really???” We farm girls weren’t raised to think that hard work and helping others were beneath us. But prayer is important too.

We need  to ask iwhether service and prayer are mutually exclusive and whether one is higher than the other. What does Jesus teach us?

At the Last Supper he washed the feet of these same men who seem to think serving at table interferes with prayer – not the lesson I draw from that episode. On the other hand, Jesus told Martha to stop fussing at Mary for not helping because she chose to spend time with him. We can conclude that Jesus values both prayer and service.

Perhaps the best solution is to integrate prayer with service and to regard service as a form of prayer since most of us can’t turn work over to a community like the apostles did. I think of the years when I picked up my crabby, hungry kids and prayed for the pasta to cook faster. Sometimes I even remembered to offer up their bickering as I tossed the salad.

Starting your day with a quick morning offering of all your “prayers, works, joys and sufferings” is a great way to turn your crazy day over to God.  

Our lives need to incorporate both prayer and service. The trick is to find simple, workable ways to do this.

***

SAINT OF THE DAY

Saint Caesar de Bus

(Feb 3, 1544 – Apl 15, 1607)

Saint Caesar de Bus’ Story

Like so many of us, Caesar de Bus struggled with the decision about what to do with his life. After completing his Jesuit education he had difficulty settling between a military and a literary career. He wrote some plays but ultimately settled for life in the army and at court.

For a time, life was going rather smoothly for the engaging, well-to-do young Frenchman. He was confident he had made the right choice. That was until he saw firsthand the realities of battle, including the Saint Bartholomew’s Day massacres of French Protestants in 1572.

He fell seriously ill and found himself reviewing his priorities, including his spiritual life. By the time he had recovered, Caesar had resolved to become a priest. Following his ordination in 1582, he undertook special pastoral work: teaching the catechism to ordinary people living in neglected, rural, out-of-the-way places. His efforts were badly needed and well received.

Working with his cousin, Caesar developed a program of family catechesis. The goal—to ward off heresy among the people—met the approval of local bishops. Out of these efforts grew a new religious congregation: the Fathers of Christian Doctrine.

One of Caesar’s works, Instructions for the Family on the Four Parts of the Roman Catechism, was published 60 years after his death. He was beatified in 1975 and canonized in 2022.

Reflection

_________

“Family catechesis” is a familiar term in parish life today. Grounded in the certainty that children learn their faith first from their parents, programs that deepen parental involvement in religious education multiply everywhere. There were no such programs in Caesar’s day until he saw a need and created them. Other needs abound in our parishes, and it’s up to us to respond by finding ways to fill them or by joining in already established efforts.

***

【Build your Faith in Christ Jesus on #dailyscripturereadingsgroup 📚: +256 751 540 524 .. Whatsapp】

[backtochrist]

Full of Grace and Power

Miracle 18 - New Testament

Stephen, full of grace and power, was doing great wonders and signs among the people. Then some of those who belonged to the synagogue of the Freedmen (as it was called), and of the Cyrenians, and of the Alexandrians, and of those from Cilicia and Asia, rose up and disputed with Stephen. But they could not withstand the wisdom and the Spirit with which he was speaking. Then they secretly instigated men who said, “We have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses and God.” And they stirred up the people and the elders and the scribes, and they came upon him and seized him and brought him before the council, and they set up false witnesses who said, “This man never ceases to speak words against this holy place and the law, for we have heard him say that this Jesus of Nazareth will destroy this place and will change the customs that Moses delivered to us.” And gazing at him, all who sat in the council saw that his face was like the face of an angel. - Acts 6:8-15

[catolinewsdailyreadings]

Feast of Saint Stephen, first martyr

Readings of Tuesday, December 26, 2023

Reading 1

ACTS 6:8-10; 7:54-59

Stephen, filled with grace and power, was working great wonders and signs among the people. Certain members of the so-called Synagogue of Freedmen, Cyrenians, and Alexandrians, and people from Cilicia and Asia, came forward and debated with Stephen, but they could not withstand the wisdom and the spirit with which he spoke.

When they heard this, they were infuriated, and they ground their teeth at him. But he, filled with the Holy Spirit, looked up intently to heaven and saw the glory of God and Jesus standing at the right hand of God, and he said, "Behold, I see the heavens opened and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God." But they cried out in a loud voice, covered their ears, and rushed upon him together. They threw him out of the city, and began to stone him. The witnesses laid down their cloaks at the feet of a young man named Saul.  As they were stoning Stephen, he called out "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit."

Responsorial Psalm

PS 31:3CD-4, 6 AND 8AB, 16BC AND 17

R./ Into your hands, O Lord, I commend my spirit.

Be my rock of refuge, a stronghold to give me safety. You are my rock and my fortress; for your name's sake you will lead and guide me. R./ Into your hands, O Lord, I commend my spirit.

Into your hands I commend my spirit; you will redeem me, O LORD, O faithful God. I will rejoice and be glad because of your mercy. R./ Into your hands, O Lord, I commend my spirit.

Rescue me from the clutches of my enemies and my persecutors. Let your face shine upon your servant; save me in your kindness. R./ Into your hands, O Lord, I commend my spirit.

Gospel

MT 10:17-22

Jesus said to his disciples: "Beware of men, for they will hand you over to courts and scourge you in their synagogues, and you will be led before governors and kings for my sake as a witness before them and the pagans. When they hand you over, do not worry about how you are to speak or what you are to say. You will be given at that moment what you are to say. For it will not be you who speak but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you. Brother will hand over brother to death, and the father his child; children will rise up against parents and have them put to death. You will be hated by all because of my name, but whoever endures to the end will be saved."

[roman-catholic-mass-readings]

26th December >> Mass Readings (USA)

Feast of Saint Stephen, the first Martyr

(Liturgical Colour: Red: B (2))

First Reading Acts of the Apostles 6:8-10; 7:54-59 I see the heavens opened.

Stephen, filled with grace and power, was working great wonders and signs among the people. Certain members of the so-called Synagogue of Freedmen, Cyrenians, and Alexandrians, and people from Cilicia and Asia, came forward and debated with Stephen, but they could not withstand the wisdom and the spirit with which he spoke.

When they heard this, they were infuriated, and they ground their teeth at him. But he, filled with the Holy Spirit, looked up intently to heaven and saw the glory of God and Jesus standing at the right hand of God, and he said, “Behold, I see the heavens opened and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.” But they cried out in a loud voice, covered their ears, and rushed upon him together. They threw him out of the city, and began to stone him. The witnesses laid down their cloaks at the feet of a young man named Saul. As they were stoning Stephen, he called out “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.”

The Word of the Lord

R/ Thanks be to God.

Responsorial Psalm Psalm 31:3cd-4, 6 and 8ab, 16bc and 17

R/ Into your hands, O Lord, I commend my spirit.

Be my rock of refuge, a stronghold to give me safety. You are my rock and my fortress; for your name’s sake you will lead and guide me.

R/ Into your hands, O Lord, I commend my spirit.

Into your hands I commend my spirit; you will redeem me, O LORD, O faithful God. I will rejoice and be glad because of your mercy.

R/ Into your hands, O Lord, I commend my spirit.

Rescue me from the clutches of my enemies and my persecutors. Let your face shine upon your servant; save me in your kindness.

R/ Into your hands, O Lord, I commend my spirit.

Gospel Acclamation Psalm 118:26a, 27a

Alleluia, alleluia. Blessed is he who comes in the name of the LORD: the LORD is God and has given us light. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel Matthew 10:17-22 For it will not be you who speak but the Spirit of your Father.

Jesus said to his disciples: “Beware of men, for they will hand you over to courts and scourge you in their synagogues, and you will be led before governors and kings for my sake as a witness before them and the pagans. When they hand you over, do not worry about how you are to speak or what you are to say. You will be given at that moment what you are to say. For it will not be you who speak but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you. Brother will hand over brother to death, and the father his child; children will rise up against parents and have them put to death. You will be hated by all because of my name, but whoever endures to the end will be saved.”

The Gospel of the Lord

R/ Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.

[domtrejon]

full circle moment. this way (a) houston group show // the direction of study + research development = home improvement

celebrating the legacy of houstons freedmen's town // the historic 4th ward neighborhood that was first known as the residence of the native descendants of freed slaves who put all of their belongings into building a lively thriving community. over the decades it has been redeveloped in terms of gentrification decreasing the number of property owned // operated by these freed descendants : sparking a rise of displacement.

this exhibition highlights the generations of native houstonians connected to this community either through spirit or blood in works of preserving the heritage that still remains via multidisciplinary expressions // insightful examinations from 12 houston based african american artists.

i need to acknowledge the divine creator in my involvement in this collaboration with the contemporary × the conservancy ! i thank jehovah god for the series of events that has lead us to this expression of the message. locally we get a glimpse at the global struggle thats happening all across the world to indigenous communities .

in my personal research i been expanding my consciousness : seeking solutions studying industries // ideologies outside of the classroom to prepare for this exhibition. in terms of discovery i could come off as a knowledgeable guy whos’ too smart for his own good // the mister “kNOw” it all type of behavior gets my kind killed so the quest of knowledge has taught me i don’t need to kNOw everything .

i rather “YES” it ! leading us to the “YESAGE” era. a philosophy . a mentality . a cultural construct . the meaning behind nothing actually meaning something while YESTHING doesn’t mean anything @ all [ until now ] year of the yes !

as i digger deeper into the rabbit hole i realized that i don’t “kNOw” who supplied the education or who defines the value that we that view on this grand scale of intelligence . in fact all my information has been strategically feed // curated to me to make me believe everything is “make” belief.

a conversation with casey helped me identify the enemy on a socio - political economic standpoint. the synagogue of satan has agents on every corner promoting self destruction. on my renaissance x revelation // powerpoint presentation i see the other side :

the real estate agents

the international bankers

design is to divide us

who monopolize the commodities who produce the conditions to monetize off our mission of being spiritual beings having a human experience ?

ask yourself : is it about what’s right or what’s required ??? to clarify more of what im articulating : i appreciated every aspect of assembling this abstract adaptation of the historic 4th ward map. placing the structures on the surface of the foundation put me in the shoes of the city developers // the instruments of division // the so called enemy which opened my eyes to me being on the same side of a different spectrum curating the conditions of our communities. the new albums is gaining access to the factories x the family + the farms again .

to the solution seekers : stumbling across esoteric territory i advise you to utilize your abilities to service god & his children // continue to seek the kingdom & everything will be added onto you. i challenge you to engage further into the lives we still have access to by being aware of what going on inside yourself + outside in your community.

the sculpture “35 & beyond” is symbolic by displaying the direction of the historical present reality of the 4th ward neighborhood. houstons freedmen’s town is located less than 3 miles away from the museum district in what we call today allen parkway // buffalo bayou . whenever you are available to check out the area give it a go to expand your perspective.

thank you to the team @camh + @hftc for crafting a cohesive cultural exhibition.

the public opening was dearly delightful

thank you to all the artists for your introspection

thank you to all the preparators for the installation

thank you to all the attendees showing solidarity

thank you to all who listen to me give a brief explanation of what the work means.

thank you to mich for the mentorship + the guidance provided throughout the production process of this sculpture.

to anyone curious on how to learn more on this subject matter get in touch with choronda johnson to schedule a tour of houstons freedmen town to experience a guided walkthrough from a native descendant.

this way (a) houston group show on view until march 2024

i am open for interviews // any dialogue regarding questions about the work

@ publicrelationsmediabroadcast

article : [artist meets activist] @ dömtrejon 23

new age civilization // ownership // identity !

no more taunting the new jock #

[600shekels]

2 Chronicles 28: 14-15. "The Page."

14 So the soldiers gave up the prisoners and plunder in the presence of the officials and all the assembly. 

15 The men designated by name took the prisoners, and from the plunder they clothed all who were naked. They provided them with clothes and sandals, food and drink, and healing balm. All those who were weak they put on donkeys. So they took them back to their fellow Israelites at Jericho, the City of Palms, and returned to Samaria.

The Gematria for this section explains how civilized societies work, all in one simple schematic:

The value is 8488 which is ח‎ ףדף "A page."

The Torah scroll is a long scroll containing the entire text of the Five Books of Moses, hand-written by a pious scribe in the original Hebrew. It is rolled up around two ornate wooden shafts, attached to either end of the scroll.

Kept in the Ark of each synagogue, the Torah scroll is routinely read aloud in all synagogues, and in its presence we offer prayers and blessings for all those in need. We read from the Torah scroll four times a week, on Shabbat morning, Shabbat afternoon, and on Monday and Thursday mornings. In addition, the Torah is read on many Jewish festivals, the first day(s) of the new Hebrew month and fast days.

Yet the Torah scroll is much more than that. It is the core representation of Judaism itself. It is the tangible embodiment of our connection to G‑d and of His wisdom and guidance. On the most joyous day of the year, we embrace it in our arms, as we dance ecstatically and celebrate that connection. Our holiest and most precious treasure, the Torah, is literally G‑d's gift to the world. The Torah is our guide to life. Actually, the Torah is our life. Without it, the Jewish People cannot live. It is the heart, mind and soul of Judaism, right there in front of you, black on white.

This section from 2 Chronicles summarizes all that mankind is supposed to do accordign to the Torah.

Men are not supposed to keep prisoners as slaves. We are not to be slaves to another man, mankind is to respect laws that protect others from slavery, exploitation and oppression.

We are to clothe each other's nakedness in the identity of freedmen, and educate each one to the fullest, then employ each to the fullest, give them victories over ignorance, injustice, the elements, all that gets in the way of survival and prosperity.

Healing balm, tsori, is from the mastic tree, Pistacia lentiscus. Mastic is a kind of chewing gum that is used medicinally to cure bad breath, which was said to cause marriages to fail. The Kabbalah of smell is to inhale the essence of what is pleasing about life and share it with others:

"Fragrance is not palpable, and neither are the benefits it offers. Kabbalah teaches that smell is the connection of the physical and spiritual, our connection to the soul.

In the story of Creation, after G‑d formed Adam out of earth, “He breathed into his nostrils the soul of life.”1 The connection between the nose and the soul remains. Olfaction is a sensation of the soul, the soul benefiting or suffering from pleasing or disturbing aromas. The physical person’s ability to share the sensations provided by smell is a window into the world of the soul."

It sounds like our prisoners needed a lot of help, which they were given including donkey rides all the way home= Mashiach, which means "brother helping other."

From prisoners and slaves to Mashiach and from thence to civil society, this is the Page out of the Torah.

The difference between this version and the other is in the last verse, "and then they kept watch."

[biblebloodhound]

Resist the World, the Flesh, and the Devil (Acts 6:8-15)

We must practice the truth we know; otherwise, we give ourselves to another.

St. Stephen Before the Sanhedrin, by Mariotti di Nardo (1394–1424) Now Stephen, a man full of God’s grace and power, performed great wonders and signs among the people. Opposition arose, however, from members of the Synagogue of the Freedmen (as it was called)—Jews of Cyrene and Alexandria as well as the provinces of Cilicia and Asia—who began to argue with Stephen. But they could not stand up…

[seekfirst-community]

” …Like his Master, St Stephen died forgiving his persecutors

and thus makes us realise that the entry into the world of the Son of God gives rise to a new civilisation, the civilisation of love that does not yield to evil

and violence and pulls down the barriers between men and women, making them brothers and sisters

in the great family of God’s children.” (Pope Benedict XVI, 26th December 2009).

"Stephen, filled with grace and power, was working great wonders and signs among the people. Certain members of the so-called Synagogue of Freedmen, Cyrenians, and Alexandrians, and people from Cilicia and Asia, came forward and debated with Stephen, but they could not withstand the wisdom and the spirit with which he spoke.

"When they heard this, they were infuriated, and they ground their teeth at him. But he, filled with the Holy Spirit, looked up intently to heaven and saw the glory of God and Jesus standing at the right hand of God, and he said,

“Behold, I see the heavens opened and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.”

"But they cried out in a loud voice, covered their ears, and rushed upon him together. They threw him out of the city, and began to stone him.

"The witnesses laid down their cloaks at the feet of a young man named Saul.

"As they were stoning Stephen, he called out, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” (Acts 6: 8 - 10, 7: 54 - 59).

Monday 26th December 2022, Solemnity of the Octave of Christmas, the Feast of St Stephen, the first Martyr.

"St Stephen was one of the seven deacons who helped the apostles (Acts 6: 1 - 6) and was filled with faith and the Holy Spirit," and was "full of fortitude" (Acts 6: 5, 8). Stephen died praying for his executioners. The similarities between Stephen's martyrdom and the crucifixion of Our Lord emphasize his imitation of Christ even up to the complete gift of self." (Roman Missal).

We learn from the brief summary of the life of St Stephen from the Roman Missal that Stephen must have been a very important witness in the early Church. Consider why:

#1 Stephen's life and experience shows that the promises of Jesus are true. "When they hand you over, do not worry about how you are to speak or what you are to say. You will be given at that moment what you are to say." (Matthew 10: 19).

#2 Stephen died like Jesus forgiving his executioners.

This vindication of the promises of Jesus and fearless embrace of martyrdom made a deep impression on the Church. The Church included the name of St Stephen in the Canon of the Mass to intercede for the Church.

How soon after His Ascension was Christ's prediction vindicated when He said in the course of instructing His disciples: "But beware of people, for they will hand you over to courts and scourge you in their synagogues, and you will be led before governors and kings for my sake as a witness before them and the pagans. When they hand you over, do not worry about how you are to speak or what you are to say. You will be given at that moment what you are to say." (Matthew 10: 17 - 19).

We observe the power and faithfulness of Jesus in the trial and death of Stephen. What Jesus did for Stephen during his trial and execution, He has done for every single one of His martyrs. He has stood by their sides and sustained them to the last.

Do not be afraid. Jesus will do the same for us should the occasion arise.

"As they were stoning Stephen, he called out, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit." (Acts 7: 58).

Daily Bible Verse @ SeekFirstcommunity.com

[troybeecham]

Today, the Second Day of Christmas, the Church remembers St. Stephen, proto-Deacon and proto-Martyr.

Ora pro nobis.

Stephen (Greek: Στέφανος Stéphanos, meaning "wreath, crown" and by extension "reward, honor", often given as a title rather than as a name, Hebrew: ‫סטפנוס הקדוש‬‎), (c. AD 5 – c. AD 34) traditionally venerated as the protomartyr or first martyr of Christianity, was according to the Acts of the Apostles a deacon in the early church at Jerusalem who aroused the enmity of members of various synagogues by his teachings. Accused of blasphemy, at his trial, he made a long speech denouncing the Jewish authorities who were sitting in judgment on him and was then stoned to death. His martyrdom was witnessed by Saul of Tarsus, a Pharisee who would later become a follower of Jesus and known as Paul the Apostle.

The only primary source for information about Stephen is the New Testament book of the Acts of the Apostles. Stephen is mentioned in Acts 6 as one of the Greek-speaking Hellenistic Jews selected to participate in a fairer distribution of welfare to the Greek-speaking widows.

Saint Stephen is first mentioned in Acts of the Apostles as one of seven deacons appointed by the Apostles to distribute food and charitable aid to poorer members of the community in the early church. According to Orthodox belief, he was the eldest and is therefore called "archdeacon". As another deacon, Nicholas of Antioch, is specifically stated to have been a convert to Judaism, it may be assumed that Stephen was born Jewish, but nothing more is known about his previous life. The reason for the appointment of the deacons is stated to have been dissatisfaction among Hellenistic (that is, Greek-influenced and Greek-speaking) Jews that their widows were being slighted in preference to Hebraic ones in the daily distribution of food. Since the name "Stephanos" is Greek, it has been assumed that he was one of these Hellenistic Jews. Stephen is stated to have been full of faith and the Holy Spirit and to have performed miracles among the people.

It seems to have been among synagogues of Hellenistic Jews that he performed his teachings and "signs and wonders" since it is said that he aroused the opposition of the "Synagogue of the Freedmen", and "of the Cyrenians, and of the Alexandrians, and of them that were of Cilicia and Asia".[Acts 6:9] Members of these synagogues had challenged Stephen's teachings, but Stephen had bested them in debate. Furious at this humiliation, they suborned false testimony that Stephen had preached blasphemy against Moses and God. They dragged him to appear before the Sanhedrin, the supreme legal court of Jewish elders, accusing him of preaching against the Temple and the Mosaic Law.[Acts 6:9–14] Stephen is said to have been unperturbed, his face looking like "that of an angel"

In a long speech to the Sanhedrin comprising almost the whole of Acts Chapter 7, Stephen presents his view of the history of Israel. The God of glory, he says, appeared to Abraham in Mesopotamia, thus establishing at the beginning of the speech one of its major themes, that God does not dwell only in one particular building (meaning the Temple). Stephen recounts the stories of the patriarchs in some depth, and goes into even more detail in the case of Moses. God appeared to Moses in the burning bush[Acts 7:30–32], and inspired Moses to lead his people out of Egypt. Nevertheless, the Israelites turned to other gods.[Acts 7:39–43] This establishes the second main theme of Stephen's speech, Israel's disobedience to God. Stephen faced two accusations: that he had declared that Jesus would destroy the Temple in Jerusalem and that he had changed the customs of Moses. Benedict XVI stated that St. Stephen appealed to the Jewish scriptures to prove how the laws of Moses were not subverted by Jesus but, instead, were being fulfilled. Stephen denounces his listeners as "stiff-necked" people who, just as their ancestors had done, resist the Holy Spirit. "Was there ever a prophet your ancestors did not persecute? They even killed those who predicted the coming of the Righteous One. And now you have betrayed and murdered him."[Acts 7:51–53]

Thus castigated, the account is that the crowd could contain their anger no longer. However, Stephen looked up and cried, "Look! I see heaven open and the Son of Man standing on the right hand of God!" He said that the recently executed Jesus was standing by the side of God. [Acts 7:54] According to Orthodox belief, the "Sanhedrin shouted and covered their ears, and rushed at him. They dragged him out of the city and stoned him, but the holy martyr prayed for his murderers." The people from the crowd, who threw the first stones, laid their coats down so as to be able to do this, at the feet of a "young man named Saul". However, according to the "Aramaic Bible in Plain English" and the "Weymouth New Testament" Acts 22:20, St. Paul, earlier known as Saul admits he was not only standing by, he was holding the garments of those stoning St. Stephen. This has significance. The possible reason for this may be that many of the members of the Sanhedrin were wealthy. (See Luke 18:9-14) Some, who may have been wearing expensive garments may have been hesitant to throw or place them on the ground. Saul's willingness to hold the garments of those stoning Stephen might signify that he considered it an honor to do so at the time. Having held the garments, rather than just watching over them, would have made Saul much more of an accomplice. This could have added greatly to St. Paul's sense of guilt later on and illuminate why he considered himself to be the worst sinner of all. "Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners--of whom I am the worst." 1 Timothy 1:15 (New International Version) Approving of, and assisting in, the killing of a disciple that Christ himself had chosen, was an unforgettable act, which St. Paul regretted for the rest of his life. "But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his immense patience as an example for those who would believe in him and receive eternal life." 1 Timothy 1:16

Stephen prayed that the Lord would receive his spirit and his killers be forgiven, sank to his knees, and "fell asleep" [Acts 7:58–60]. Saul, a witness to the stoning, "approved of their killing him".[Acts 8:1] In the aftermath of Stephen's death, the remaining disciples fled to distant lands, many to Antioch.