June 1, 2025 – “Come, Lord Jesus – Between Martyrdom, Longing, and Unity”
Main Focus: Christian Unity (Taizé)
Scripture Readings:
Acts 7:55–60; Revelation 22:12–14, 16–17, 20; John 17:20–26
Dear friends of the Prayer Atelier,
Today we find ourselves at a significant moment in the liturgical year: between Ascension and Pentecost. Christ has returned to the glory of the Father, but the Holy Spirit has not yet descended. It is a time of waiting – a time "in between." And precisely into this in-between, the readings speak: the martyrdom of Stephen, the longing conclusion of Revelation, and Jesus’ prayer for unity. Three voices, yet one message: God’s presence sustains us – in waiting, in suffering, in human frailty.
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1. Stephen – Seeing Glory Where Others See Only Violence (Acts 7:55–60)
Stephen dies as the first martyr of the early Church. Yet his final moments are not marked by fear but by a vision: “He saw the glory of God and Jesus standing at the right hand of God” (Acts 7:55). In the midst of the stones hurled at him, he lifts his gaze to heaven – open, alert, and hopeful.
He cries out, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit!” and “Lord, do not hold this sin against them!” (Acts 7:59–60). These words echo Jesus’ final words on the cross (cf. Luke 23:34, 46). Stephen lives what he preached: grace, forgiveness, and hope – even in the face of death.
Detailed Observations
Luke describes Stephen’s martyrdom with profound spiritual clarity:
1. He remains faithful to Jesus unto death.
2. He is filled with the Holy Spirit until his last breath (7:55).
3. He no longer sees his accusers but the exalted Christ at God's right hand (7:55–56).
4. In his final moment, he calls upon Jesus (7:59).
5. He bears witness to the forgiving love of Christ until his last breath (7:60).
Summary from the Elberfelder Bibel mit Erklärungen
Luke powerfully portrays Stephen’s inner posture as he faces violent death. He clings unshakably to Jesus. The Holy Spirit fills him to the very end (cf. Acts 7:55). Amid mortal danger, he no longer sees his enemies but the risen Christ beside God (7:55–56). Dying, he directs his final cry to Jesus (7:59). Even in death, he embodies Christ’s forgiving love by praying for those who kill him (7:60).
Source: Elberfelder Bibel mit Erklärungen, 9th ed., 2023, p. 1617.
Liturgical Note:
The preceding verses (Acts 7:1–54), in which Stephen rebukes Israel’s historical resistance to God, are omitted. The lectionary focuses instead on the climax: the Christ vision and the nonviolent testimony unto death.
Real-Life Bridge:
Perhaps there are moments in our lives when “stones” fly – accusations, misfortunes, helplessness. Stephen invites us not to look down, but to lift our gaze – to the glory of God, already visible to those who believe.
2. Revelation – The Longing of the Waiting Church (Rev 22:12–14, 16–17, 20)
The reading from the final chapter of the Bible gives voice to the end-time Church’s hope. Christ says: “Behold, I am coming soon” (vv. 12, 20). This coming is mentioned three times – not distant, but certain. The seer John hears the voice of the Spirit and the Bride, calling in unison: “Come!” (v. 17).
These verses paint a picture of hope, justice, and open invitation: Whoever is thirsty may come. Whoever repents may enter “through the gates into the city” (v. 14). Christ is introduced as “the First and the Last,” “the bright Morning Star” (vv. 13, 16) – the beginning and goal of our story.
Omitted Verses:
Verses 15 and 18–19 are excluded from the liturgy. They contain warnings: about exclusion from the Holy City (v. 15) and prohibitions against altering the book (vv. 18–19). Their omission is theologically understandable – today’s liturgical focus is on invitation, hope, and comfort. Still, they remind us: God's word is holy. Truth, repentance, and reverence are not optional but the foundation of hope.
Real-Life Bridge:
How often do we long for a new beginning? These words are an open door to all who are weary, thirsty, or burdened. Christ says: “Let anyone who wishes take the water of life freely” (v. 17). This is pure Gospel.
3. Jesus Prays for Us – Unity as Witness to Love (John 17:20–26)
In today’s Gospel, we hear Jesus himself. In his “high priestly prayer,” he prays not only for his disciples but for all who will believe through their word (v. 20). That includes us.
He prays for nothing less than unity: “That all may be one, as you, Father, are in me and I in you” (v. 21). This unity is not uniformity, but spiritual communion. It is to show the world that God is love: “I in them, and you in me” – an intimate union that empowers and sustains.
Background:
This prayer is part of Jesus’ farewell discourse in John’s Gospel. It is not doctrinal instruction but spiritual depth. John shows that Jesus knows what lies ahead – and he cares for his own. Their unity, love, and witness are to continue God's work in the world.
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Taizé – A Response to John 17 -?
The ecumenical monastic community founded by Brother Roger in Taizé, France, embodies a spirituality of unity. It shapes the way people speak, pray, and live together. The following presents Frère Roger’s theology, communication style, and the daily life in Taizé – supported by scholarly sources.
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1. Frère Roger’s Theology of Love and Reconciliation
Frère Roger Schutz (1915–2005), founder of the Taizé Community, developed a theology grounded in lived faith, simplicity, and community. At its core is not dogma but Gospel-rooted life.
> “God can only love” – This central statement expresses his view of God: not a punishing judge, but the source of love and trust.
(Roger Schutz, God Can Only Love, Freiburg: Herder, 2005)
His theology is deeply ecumenical. He sought not theological consensus, but unity of heart – “communion without uniformity.” He invited Christians of various traditions to center on Christ, not to erase differences but to walk together in faith.
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2. Communication: Silence, Music, Listening
Communication in Taizé is shaped by silent listening, meditative music, and shared faith. It is expressed through gestures, rituals, and experience.
Silence as God’s Language: Three times a day, the community gathers for prayer. Silence is central – a "language without words" opening space for God and self.
Chants as Spiritual Language: Simple, repetitive, biblical songs (often multilingual) foster inner stillness and connection among diverse people.
> “Few words, repeated often, create inner listening, lead to silence, and open one to prayer.”
(Frère Roger, Listening to God, Munich: Claudius Verlag, 1992, p. 47)
Discreet, non-proselytizing dialogue: In Bible discussions and spiritual talks, dogmatic teaching is avoided. Listening, empathy, and personal faith take precedence.
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3. The Youth’s Daily Life in Taizé
Life in Taizé is simple and communal. Thousands of young people from around the world come each year for days or weeks of prayer, work, and reflection.
Key Elements:
Simple living: Lodging and meals are basic; many sleep in tents or dorms. This reflects the ideal of “radical simplicity” (see Mette, 2013).
Shared responsibilities: Everyone helps with chores like washing dishes or serving food – promoting equality and responsibility.
Small groups: Daily conversations in international groups foster intercultural and interdenominational understanding.
Bible reflections and workshops: Biblical texts are meditated on daily, with introductory talks by the brothers, and time for discussion.
> “Taizé is not a movement or a club, but a space – a space of hospitality for the inner pilgrimage.”
(Andreas Möller, “Pilgrimage to Taizé – Communication of Trust,” Pastoraltheologie 98, 2009, pp. 297–308)
4. Goal: Cultivating Trust and Hope
Communication in Taizé does not seek to overwhelm with religion, but to gently awaken a personal search for God. Through community, shared life, and silence, a space is created where trust can grow.
> “Where trust grows, a future becomes possible – even in a broken world.”
(Frère Roger, Signs of Hope, Freiburg: Herder, 2001, p. 22)
Final Thought
Frère Roger’s way of communication expresses a lived theology of love, simplicity, and reconciliation. It is experienced in the shared life of young people from around the world, in simple prayer, and in a lifestyle focused on silence, service, and encounter. This quiet yet powerful language has shaped generations.
Taizé has deeply shaped me. I wish more people were touched by this joy and this vision of Christian unity. It would honor the high priestly prayer of Jesus.
More info: www.taize.de
Songs:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ALlkMv21a7s
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G04YbU8NdqQ
Short documentary:
https://youtu.be/-QMcjjLjbZw?si=x5TaiWu2hyZ9JrJN
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Real-Life Bridge:
Unity is hard – in church, family, society. But Jesus’ prayer still resounds: We don’t need to be perfect, but united – through forgiveness, trust, and mutual acceptance.
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Common Thread:
All three readings – Stephen, Revelation, and Jesus’ prayer – direct our gaze from earth to heaven. They open a divine, supernatural horizon. They show how Christians live between martyrdom and hope, farewell and expectation. They call out:
Stay connected, stay watchful, pray with open eyes.
Core Message:
The nearness of God carries us through suffering, longing, and separation. His return fulfills our hope – in justice, love, and unity.
Prayer:
Good God,
You are the goal of our longing and our strength in times of need.
You opened Stephen’s eyes to heaven,
You gave your people hope through Revelation,
And You prayed for our unity.
Let us not grow weary of looking for You.
Give us courage to forgive,
Eyes to see Your presence in darkness,
And the will to become one in faith.
Fill us with the Spirit of love, a longing for unity,
And strengthen our hope –
Until You return in glory.
Come, Lord Jesus!
Amen.
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Final Appeal:
Dear friends of the Prayer Atelier,
The Gospel is not a theory, but a call into our daily lives:
“Come, Lord Jesus!” – a sigh, a breath-prayer, a song.
But always a sign of hope.
In this time of waiting and tension, let us not give up,
But stay awake – looking to Christ,
With hearts for unity,
And open hands for all who thirst for life.
Let us be bridge builders – in Kevelaer and wherever we live and work.
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Sources (Chicago Style):
Acts 7:55–60; Revelation 22:12–14, 16–17, 20; John 17:20–26. Accessed May 17, 2025. www.bibleserver.de.
“Daily Gospel and Liturgy for 01.06.2025.” Accessed May 17, 2025. https://www.vaticannews.va/de/tagesevangelium-und-tagesliturgie/2025/25/25.html.
Schnelle, Udo. Einleitung in das Neue Testament. Göttingen: Vandenhoeck & Ruprecht, 2019, pp. 309–313.
Elberfelder Bibel mit Erklärungen. 9th ed., 2023. ISBN 978-3-86353-284-0, p. 1617.
Roloff, Jürgen. Die Offenbarung des Johannes. 5th ed., Göttingen: Vandenhoeck & Ruprecht, 2001, pp. 236–239.
Schutz, Roger. Gott kann nur lieben. Freiburg: Herder, 2005.
Schutz, Roger. Auf Gott hören. Munich: Claudius Verlag, 1992.
Schutz, Roger. Zeichen der Hoffnung. Freiburg: Herder, 2001.
Möller, Andreas. “Pilgern nach Taizé – Kommunikation des Vertrauens.” Pastoraltheologie 98 (2009): 297–308.
Mette, Norbert. Religiöse Kommunikation in der Gegenwart: Beiträge zur Praktischen Theologie. Münster: LIT Verlag, 2013.
Brown, Raymond E. The Gospel According to John XIII–XXI. New York: Doubleday, 1970, pp. 741–758.