Stephen is a simple man with real fears and doubts, living in a specific historical context, who responds to the events of his life with faith, love, and compassion. Stephen’s life...

What is the foundation of our salvation if not the lifelong realization that God is good and that in God there is nothing to fear? God’s generous offer of love, mercy,...

This passage recalls one of the fundamental challenges of Christianity: God’s relationship to human suffering. The brutal murder of Stephen at the feet of Saul reminds us that following Christ is...

One of the most repeated statements in the Bible is the call not to be afraid. Yet amid life’s many challenges, we often struggle to heed this call. Jesus knows the...

The disciples long to see the Father; yet they have had Jesus right in front of them the whole time. We might sigh in disbelief at the disciples’ seeming cluelessness. However,...

Trusting God during times of trouble can be challenging. Even more challenging, perhaps, is trusting God while in fear of trouble to come. So often, our biggest fears are lived out...

For those who sing the glories of “the land of the free and the home of the brave,” of the “strong and free,” the words of today’s reading may ring hollow....

The artist looks at his work with pride: It appears to be perfect in every way. He summons the teacher for an opinion. Inclined to encourage young artists, she gingerly opines,...

We are a people of the bottom line. Cut to the chase! Close the question! We want answers. Who likes living with loose ends? Who has the time or the patience...

Sheep have gotten a bum rap. Sometimes they are called “range maggots.” Or “woolly locusts.” Many consider sheep stupid. Without a shepherd, sheep usually cannot find pasture. They get lost and...