Monday of the Third Week of Easter
(Acts 6:8-15; John 6:22-29)
Just last month a mob of Muslim extremists attacked a
Christian village in Lahore, Pakistan, burning down 200 homes. The outrage occurred after a Muslim boy
accused a Christian of blaspheming the prophet Mohammed while playing a
game. Such incidents occur with regularity
in that country with its overwhelming Muslim majority and plethora of extremist-religious
schools. A similar situation is reported
in the first reading today.
Stephen is accused of blaspheming “’Moses and God’”
before the ruling Sanhedrin. The author
reports that his serene countenance should tip off the judges that Stephen is
innocent, but because of the prejudice against the growing Christian sect, the
judicial body eventually condemns him to being stoned to death. (An objective observer might also question
the prudence of Stephen’s remarks against the Jewish leaders.)
We who value religion must stop and think here. Truth may call for a reply to outrageous
statements. However, does not justice
require a response in kind without turning to violence? We must speak out with integrity but judiciously
when confronted with perversions. Our goodwill
and wisdom will make the validity of our position evident.
