Now when they heard these things they were enraged, and they ground their teeth at him. But he, full of the Holy Spirit, gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. And he said, "Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God." But they cried out with a loud voice and stopped their ears and rushed together at him. Then they cast him out of the city and stoned him. And the witnesses laid down their garments at the feet of a young man named Saul. And as they were stoning Stephen, he called out, "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit." And falling to his knees he cried out with a loud voice, "Lord, do not hold this sin against them." And when he had said this, he fell asleep.

Another example of unrequested forgiveness. And in the face of extreme harm! Lord, what impact did this have on Saul, was his rage (“raging fury” was his description in Acts 26:11) a response to the testimony of Stephen as he forgave his killers? Was Saul storming against the power that was revealed in this moment? What could drive a man to forgive his attackers at the very moment of his death?

Today's readings in the Psalms:

Morning: Psalm 45

Mid-day: 119:97-104

Evening: Psalm 121

Voices Together is available as an annual daily devotional and can be purchased at the Fellowship Of Ailbe bookstore.