Stephen shows us that speaking from our hearts — speaking the truth of our convictions and experiences — is part of our call as people of God.

What would the world look like if we were all a little more ready to share the gifts we have — gifts of time, talent, and treasure — to draw people to life together and life itself and away from death and despair?

Third Sunday of Easter April 19, 2026 Bulletin Featured image: St. George’s Church, Eisenach, Germany

This is a story about breakfast. And it is no surprise that Jesus, too, enjoyed breakfast on the beach.

For can’t you see that the love of God is still at work defeating death?

Jesus’s kingship is not one of majesty, but humility; not one of war, but peace. He is no conquering hero. So how will he save?

But Jesus’ answer addresses neither concern, perhaps because the question is not the right one. Perhaps the real question is not how many times one *should* forgive. The real question is how one forgives.

For everyone, there comes a time when your faith is tested and you will have to face difficult and inconvenient truths. We may want to take the easier path, the path with less pain. We may want to cling to easy or simplistic answers. Instead, what does it look like to welcome complexity? Can you stay fixed upon your convictions while also expanding your perspective?