Stephen’s vision of Christ sitting at the right hand of God empowers him.

It’s Jesus’ fervent prayer that “all may be one.” Looking out over the congregation it may not be easy to see evidence of that unity.

HOW MANY TIMES have you seen the sign in a vacant shop window or posted on an empty lot? "Coming soon!" it bravely announces.

I HEARD of a family where the dad was concerned that his many kids weren’t getting along. As they began to reach adulthood the kids each went their own ways.

"FATHER, they are your gift to me.” Guess who Jesus is talking about when he makes that statement in today’s gospel? All of us.

WITH THESE WORDS the writer of the Book of Revelation calls on the Lord to be present to his people. Come, Gracious God, Come is the name of a prayer written by Rev. Jason W. Coulter, pastor of Ravenswood United Church of Christ in Chicago.

Dying Words: In some courts, a person’s dying words are admissible as evidence in a trial. They are given special standing as true and meaningful.

Jesus asks us to come forward and accept the gift of life-giving water. We pray for the grace to accept that invitation.

The continuity between Luke and Acts comes out in the first reading.

May I be received among you in your presence today as a rich and acceptable sacrifice, as you prepared and fore-shadowed it, and as you fulfilled it, true God in whom there is no deceit.