Reflection
You stiff-necked people and uncircumcised heart and ears…
-Acts 7:51
Nowadays, people often complain of having a stiff neck after sleeping in an awkward position on their pillow overnight. Stephen’s use of the term was far different. The term was originally used to describe an ox that refused to be directed by the farmer’s goad or team. When a farmer harnessed a team of oxen to a plow, to guide or turn them, he used a stick with a sharp spike and would poke them lightly on the heels or neck. If the ox refused to be directed by the farmer, it was said to be stiff-necked. A stiff-necked animal or person refuses to turn its head in order to take a different path.
Stephen, the first Christian martyr, used the term stiff-necked when he told the people they had refused to follow God’s will with their hearts and listen to the prophets with their ears. They crucified their Messiah. (Adapted from https://www.gotquestions.org/Bible-stiff-necked.html)
We all have had a stiff-necked day or two. We get too busy with things other than our most important obligations and responsibilities to our loved ones, our church and community. We know what we should do, but fail to comply with what God is asking. Like stubborn oxen, we often remain focused on our own interests instead of showing patience and kindness to others.
Upon waking, we often review our to-do lists rather than engage in morning prayer. At the end of the day do we pride ourselves on all that we accomplished rather than being grateful for the opportunities to serve and care for others?
Lord, give us the grace to do your will of loving and serving YOU.
