Stephen was described as “a man filled with faith and the Holy Spirit” (Acts 6:5). After being falsely accused, threatened, and having people grind their teeth in anger at him (Acts 7:54), Stephen was still described as “filled with the Holy Spirit” (Acts 7:55).

Many of you reading this have been filled with the Holy Spirit through Baptism and Confirmation. You may have been renewed in the Holy Spirit through the Life in the Spirit Seminars, a novena to the Holy Spirit, or a special renewal program. Perhaps some of you are no longer filled with the Spirit. You have stifled or saddened the Spirit (1 Thes 5:19; Eph 4:30). Unlike Stephen, when you were hurt and/or rejected, you did not continue to proclaim God’s Word. You took your eyes off Jesus (see Acts 7:55) and focused on your hurt or the person who hurt you. You did not forgive (see Acts 7:60), so you are no longer filled with the Spirit.

Repent of unforgiveness. Repent of taking your eyes off Jesus. Be refilled with the Holy Spirit. Be a Stephen. Be a witness for the risen Christ. Don’t center your life around your pain but bring these hurts to Jesus. In this way, you will no longer stifle the Spirit. The “Spirit in its glory” will “come to rest on you” (1 Pt 4:14).

Rescript:  "In accord with the Code of Canon Law, I hereby grant the Nihil Obstat for One Bread, One Body covering the period from April 1,2021 through May 31, 2021 Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio August 5,2020"

The Nihil Obstat ("Permission to Publish") is a declaration that a book or pamphlet is considered to be free of doctrinal or moral error. It is not implied that those who have granted the Nihil Obstat agree with the contents, opinions, or statements expressed.