Homily
Sunday, 01 June 2025 — Seventh Sunday Of The Year (C) — A Summary and Reflection
“I see the Son of man standing at the right hand of God. ”
A reading from the Acts of the Apostles (Acts 17:55-60)
In those days: Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, gazed into 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 with a loud voice and stopped their ears and rushed together upon him. Then they cast him out of the city and stoned him; and the witnesses laid down their garments at the feet of a young man named Saul. And as they were stoning Stephen, he prayed, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” And he knelt down and cried with a loud voice, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” And when he had said this, he fell asleep.
The word of the Lord.
Ps 97:1 and 2b.6 and 7c.9 (R. cf. la.9a)
R/. The Lord is king, the most high above all the earth.
The Lord is king, let earth rejoice;
let the many islands be glad.
Justice and right are the foundation of his throne. R/.
The skies proclaim his justice;
all peoples see his glory.
All you angels, worship him. R/.
For you indeed are the Lord
most high above all the earth,
exalted far above all gods. R/.
The readings this Sunday emphasize faith, unity, and hope in Christ. Stephen’s martyrdom reveals his unwavering trust in the Lord, forgiving his persecutors even as he dies. The Psalm celebrates God’s kingship and justice over all creation. Revelation assures believers that Christ is coming soon, offering eternal life freely to all who seek Him. In the Gospel, Jesus prays for the unity of all believers, so that they may share in divine love and reflect God’s glory to the world.
“Come, Lord Jesus! ”
A reading from the Book of Revelation (Revelation 22: 12- I 4.16- 17.20)
I, John, heard a voice saying to me, “Behold, I am coming soon, bringing my recompense, to repay every one for what he has done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end.” Blessed are those who wash their robes, that they may have the right to the tree of life and that they may enter the city by the gates. “I Jesus have sent my angel to you with this testimony for the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, the bright morning star.” The Spirit and the Bride say, “Come.” And let him who hears say, “Come.” And let him who is thirsty come, let him who desires take the water of life without price. He who testifies to these things says, “Surely I am coming soon.” Amen. Come, Lord Jesus!
The word of the Lord.
“May they become perfectly one! ”
A reading from the holy Gospel according to John (John 17:20-26
At that time: [Lifting up his eyes to heaven, Jesus prayed, saying, Holy Father,] “I do not pray for these only, but also for those who believe in me through their word, that they may all be one; even as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me. The glory which you have given me I have given to them, that they may be one even as we are one, I in them and you in me, that they may become perfectly one, so that the world may know that you have sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me. Father, I desire that they also, whom you have given me, may be with me where I am, to behold my glory which you have given me in your love for me before the foundation of the world. O righteous Father, the world has not known you, but I have known you; and these know that you have sent me. I made known to them your name, and I will make it known, that the love with which you have loved me may be in them, and I in them.”
The Gospel of the Lord.
The readings this Sunday emphasize faith, unity, and hope in Christ. Stephen’s martyrdom reveals his unwavering trust in the Lord, forgiving his persecutors even as he dies. The Psalm celebrates God’s kingship and justice over all creation. Revelation assures believers that Christ is coming soon, offering eternal life freely to all who seek Him. In the Gospel, Jesus prays for the unity of all believers, so that they may share in divine love and reflect God’s glory to the world.
This Sunday calls us to live with steadfast faith and deep unity in Christ. Stephen’s witness shows us that true discipleship means courage and forgiveness, even in the face of persecution. Revelation reminds us that Christian life is lived in joyful expectation of Christ’s return, grounded in the promise of eternal life. In his prayer, Jesus entrusts us to the Father’s love, urging us to be one in spirit and mission. Our challenge is to let our unity and love become a testimony, so that the world may come to know God through us.