I commend my spirit

Mass Readings: April 8

First:	Acts 7:51-8:1
Resp:	Psalm 31:3-4,6-8,17,21
Gospel:	John 6:30-35

Psalm 31:6 Into your hands I commend my spirit; you will redeem me, LORD, faithful God.

This is the last thing Jesus said before he died on the cross.  It was the last thing Stephen said before he died being stoned by the angry crowed.

This is basically what we are called to say and do, to commend our spirit to the hands of the Lord.  To commend is to entrust something or someone to another.  This is to give ourselves to the Lord fully, our bodies, our will and desires.  To hand them over and trust God.  Stephen and even Jesus could have chosen not to die by giving in to the flesh, by trying to save their earthly lives.  They knew, however, that there is another life beyond this one and it would be foolish to trade that one for this earthly life.  So they entrust themselves fully to God.

Father, help me by your Holy Spirit to trust you fully.  Help me not to hang on to my earthly desires and fears, but to look to the life to come and eternity in your presence.

Amen