When Stephen is talking to the Jewish people, elders and scribes, they oppose the Holy Spirit out of stubbornness, covering their hearts and ears (v. 51). Stephen, on the other hand, opens himself up wide, allowing the Holy Spirit to fill him to the brim. Saturated in the resulting grace, he looks beyond the infuriated crowd who will soon stone him to death. Instead, he fixes his eyes on heaven and sees the glory of God.
Have you ever opened yourself up so wide the Holy Spirit filled you to the brim? By God’s grace, I have a few times. It changed everything. God’s glory burned away all my turmoil, fear and suffering, leaving only peace in its wake.

Claire thanks for your comments and reflections to this site. One of my go to prayers is "Holy Spirit guide my mind Holy Spirit control my thoughts " From one of my daily prayers:- “Help me to be mindful of your never ending Love and inspire me to show my love for you by responding generously to the needs of others. May I become your eyes, your ears, your hands, your voice in a world which hungers for love and forgiveness.” Jesus shows us the way. Wisdom of the Saints Yesterday " If you are occupied during the whole meditation...
Read more

A beautiful devotion Claire! Thank you.

When you are filled with the Holy Spirit, you will say things God has for you that people will hate as Stephen recalled all God has done for the Israelites from Abraham, Isaac Jacob, through Joseph, to Moses in Exodus and now they continued to oppose the Holy Spirit in *** Acts 7:51-53, “You stubborn people! You won’t obey! You won’t listen! You are just like your people of long ago! You always oppose the Holy Spirit! Was there ever a prophet your people didn’t try to hurt? They even killed those who told about the coming of the Blameless One....
Read more

AMEN!

Claire your words will repeat daily in my mind today thinking of all the ways the Holy Spirit has filled life and may fill it in the future. Vicky G. prayers continue for your family and the Holy Spirit to fill your hearts with love and guidance through these hard times. Blessings to all the LFF, those with extra needs and those with daily needs. May the Holy Spirit fill the hearts of all to guide us to a more heavenly earth. I will envision this weary world in the hands of GOD and a glowing light of love, faith,...
Read more

Amen!

Amen Amen Amen God bless us all

Claire, thank you for the words today. "Holy Spirit soften my heart". Amen!

Please fill me to the brim Holy Spirit. Amen

Amen. :)

Thank you Claire as always for your apt reflection... as I opened my eyes this morning, I prayed that the Lord infuse me with his love and understanding today.... and he did...I feel on top of the world ....blessings upon all of LFF today
Living Faith provides brief daily Catholic devotions based on one of the Mass readings of the day. Published new each quarter, these reflections are written by women and men from a variety of backgrounds - lay people as well as clergy and religious. Learn more.
Receive a free reflection for Sundays every week via email
About Living Faith Living Faith Foundation Ambassador Privacy Policy F.A.Q. Contact Us
© 2026 Creative Communications for the Parish, a division of Bayard, lnc. All Rights Reserved.
Blessed Pope Francis passed away one year ago today. One of his messages was "The Lord never tires of forgiving. It is we who tire of asking for forgiveness". St. Stephen's last words were “Lord, do not hold this sin against them”. VickyG, you and your family are in my rosary again this evening.