The Lord says “My Father gives you the True Bread from heaven. For the Bread of God is that which comes down from heaven and gives life to the world”. This bread the Father gives is not something but someone, and that is Christ. The Heavenly Bread does something supernatural, through those he calls to receive him. He desires to share his supernatural power to create heaven on earth through us. At Stephen’s martyrdom, people opposed supernatural realities, ignored what was offered to humanity.

Stephen however, having the true Bread of heaven received supernatural power to lay down his life for the Lord. Power to see heaven opened, the Lord standing by God’s side. That power in Stephen flows into Paul’s heart, for later he is divinely pulled down from self-glory to the glory of Christ. He eventually lays down his life for the Lord. Are we aware of who we receive at the Eucharist? Receiving reverently and knowingly brings new life. It is the only remedy for our fallen world.