April 21, 2026
St. Anselm
Filled to the Brim
But Stephen, filled with the Holy Spirit, looked up intently to heaven and saw the glory of God…
Acts 7:55

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.

Holy Spirit, soften my heart so it opens wide. Fill me to the brim so my eyes find and remain fixed on God’s glory.

- Claire McGarry

Acts 7:51—8:1 ✚ Psalm 31:3-4, 6-8, 17, 21 ✚ John 6:30-35
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Comments

Bill L
April 21, 2026 at 05:13 PM

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.

Claire McGarry
April 21, 2026 at 05:22 PM

Thank you for sharing, Bill.

Kjc
April 21, 2026 at 10:14 AM

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...
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Claire McGarry
April 21, 2026 at 05:21 PM

A truly powerful pray. Thank you for sharing!

Marko
April 21, 2026 at 09:42 AM

A beautiful devotion Claire! Thank you.

Claire McGarry
April 21, 2026 at 05:20 PM

Thank you, Marko. Very kind of you to say.

Salina (not in control)
April 21, 2026 at 09:16 AM

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....
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Claire McGarry
April 21, 2026 at 05:20 PM

Amen!

ADV
April 21, 2026 at 09:13 AM

AMEN!

Stormi
April 21, 2026 at 09:09 AM

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,...
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Claire McGarry
April 21, 2026 at 05:19 PM

Such a lovely thought, Stormi. Thank you!

Stormi
April 21, 2026 at 09:24 AM

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Philippians 4:13

Holly
April 21, 2026 at 09:07 AM

Amen!

CBR
April 21, 2026 at 09:01 AM

Amen Amen Amen God bless us all

Claire McGarry
April 21, 2026 at 05:18 PM

Amen!

Gary
April 21, 2026 at 08:55 AM

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

Claire McGarry
April 21, 2026 at 05:18 PM

Thank YOU, Gary, for reading and commenting!

Mike
April 21, 2026 at 08:20 AM

Please fill me to the brim Holy Spirit. Amen

Claire McGarry
April 21, 2026 at 05:17 PM

Amen!

freeter
April 21, 2026 at 08:19 AM

Amen. :)

Cheryl
April 21, 2026 at 08:19 AM

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

Claire McGarry
April 21, 2026 at 05:17 PM

What a magnificent way to start the day, Cheryl. So inspiring!

Pam
April 21, 2026 at 10:18 AM

Cheryl…YES! I have been so blessed so many mornings to wake up and truly feel joy and peace in my heart! It’s an incredible privilege! ❣️

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