Today's readings include ACTS 7:51: The climax of Stephen’s speech to the Sanhedrin, where he rebukes the Jewish leaders as "stiff-necked" and "uncircumcised in heart and ears" for resisting the Holy Spirit, just as their ancestors did. This verse accuses them of rejecting God’s messengers and killing Jesus. "The term was originally used to describe an ox that refused to be directed by the farmer’s goad or team. When a farmer harnessed a team of oxen to a plow, to guide or

This morning I found a powerful reflection written by Fr. Johnson Emmanuel, CP, on the "Passionists of Holy Cross Province" website - https://passionist.org/2026/04/20/daily-scripture-april-20-2026/ . The reflection focuses on ACTS 6:8-15 and JOHN 6:22-29 while making reference to the "stoning of Stephen". Below is Fr. Emmanuel's wonderful reflection: "Full Bellies and Angelic Targets We will gladly worship a God who hands out bread; we will plot to kill a God who demands the

Morgan Scott Peck (1936–2005) was an American psychiatrist and best-selling author who wrote the book The Road Less Traveled, published in 1978. I have read "The Road Less Traveled" more than once and, it is one of the most influencial books on my belief about the value of continuous and life-long learning. Peck also wrote, "The Road Less Traveled and Beyond" and in it his commentary on the "Role of the Soul." "Peck viewed the soul as the deepest, evolving part of the human p