Each time Pope Francis speaks to the world, he upholds the dignity of human life, while he cautions people about their lifestyle in terms of relationship with self, neighbour, God and the environment.<\/p>\n
For example, in Laudato Si\u2019<\/em> (no. 23), the Pope states \u2018that the climate is a common good, belonging to all and meant for all.\u2019 The Pope\u2019s concern is that the world witnesses a \u2018disturbing warming of the climatic system.\u2019 This warming \u2018is accompanied by a constant rise in sea level\u2019 and by an \u2018increase of extreme weather events.\u2019\u00a0 Both these factors have huge consequences for the planet and especially for people who live in poverty. The Pope calls humankind to \u2018recognise the need for changes of lifestyle, production and consumption\u2019 in order to combat global warming. He also speaks of other factors that cause global warming. Do I \u00a0listen to or take heed to Pope Francis through whom the Spirit of God speaks?<\/p>\n It is never all doom and gloom for Pope Francis. In Laudato Si\u2019<\/em> (LS, 61), the Pope recognises that \u2018our common home is falling into disrepair.\u2019 However, \u2018hope, would have us recognise that there is always a way out, that we can redirect our steps, that we can always do something to solve our problems\u2019 (LS, 61). Hope is essential in this Easter season. The liturgy during this season lifts our spirits to rejoice and say Alleluia, because Christ is alive. Christians believe the Spirit of God is always with them. They can choose to listen or ignore the call.<\/p>\n In the reading for Mass today (Acts 7: 51-8:1) the Word proclaims Stephen\u2019s challenge to the elders and scribes. He scolds them for their stubborn ways, resisting the Holy Spirit, persecuting the prophets, for killing Jesus and for breaking the Law. The scribes and elders did not like what they heard. They resisted the Holy Spirit. They were \u2018infuriated and ground their teeth at him.\u2019 Stephen turned to God and acknowledged Jesus\u2019 presence. The council members got very angry and they stoned Stephen to death. While they stoned him, Stephen said, \u2018Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.\u2019 In addition, he asked God \u2018not to hold this sin against them.\u2019 These words echo the words of Jesus on the Cross-when he gave up his life to the Father.<\/p>\n The response to the Psalm today (Ps 30:6) reminds the assembly of Jesus\u2019 last words to the Father as he was dying on the Cross- \u2018Into your hands, O Lord, I commend my spirit.\u2019<\/p>\n In the Gospel (Jn 6:30-35), the people continue to look for signs from Jesus. Jesus explains that God gave them the \u2018bread from heaven\u2019 and this bread \u2018gives life to the world.\u2019 They want more bread. Then Jesus reveals himself saying, \u2018I am the bread of life.\u2019<\/p>\n Jesus, the bread of life comes to us when we receive Holy Communion. In these Covid-19 times, we cannot receive the Body of Christ. We can receive Jesus in a spiritual communion and \u2018unite ourselves closely to him.\u2019<\/p>\n The readings today draw us closer to Jesus as we recall his death on the cross. We understand how Jesus forgave his executioners on Calvary and how Stephen did likewise.\u00a0 We recognise Jesus as the \u2018bread of life\u2019 and we give thanks. We play our part in continuing Jesus\u2019 mission, knowing as St Teresa Avila says, \u2018Christ has no body now but ours [yours].\u2019<\/p>\n