The importance of Stephen in the earliest days of the Church can be measured by the fact that nearly two chapters of the Acts are given over to his words and actions. Stephen was one of that first band of seven deacons who were appointed to assist the apostles by taking over some of their ever growing number of administrative tasks.

Luke presents Stephen as being in line with the prophets of the Old Testament to whom priests and people should have been willing to listen. Luke also draws a parallel between the sufferings and the ultimately glorious deaths of Jesus and the loyal disciple, Stephen.

Stephen was an outspoken character. He didn't spare his listeners. He bluntly told them that they were as stubborn and as closed minded as their ancestors who, in their times, had rejected the prophets and persecuted them.

Stephen drew his strength from Jesus. In that strength he was able to say "Lord Jesus receive my spirit," just as Jesus in his death throes was able to cry out, "Father, into your hands I commend my spirit."

In today's Gospel the words "bread of life" at first refers to the revelation of God contained in the Words of Jesus. Later "the bread of life" refers to the Eucharist. With the support of Jesus, revelation of God and Eucharistic food, we too can be witnesses to the Gospel.