A Moment to Pause: Feast of the English Martyrs, Monday 4th May 2026

Today is Monday, 4th May and this morning’s Oblate podcast is on the Scripture text of Acts 7:58: Lord Jesus receive my spirit.  Good morning. We begin: In the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.  Today is the feast of the English Martyrs. Not very far from our Oblate Parish at Tower Hill is located a little enclosure near the Tower of London which holds a little memorial plaque wiith St. Thomas More, St. John Fisher. The spot of their martyrdom.Lord, we thank you for the deep faith of our Martyrs. We equally remember our Oblate Martyrs of Pozuelo, Spain, Laos and elsewhere.  Today’s 1st Reading focuses on the stoning of Stephen by Saul, later to be known as St. Paul after his conversion. Stephen cried out, ‘Lord Jesus, receive my spirit’.   We think of people in difficult war torn and violent conflicts who call out loudly today: ‘Lord Jesus, receive my spirit’.   We think of countries like Tanzania whose natural resources like gold are being robbed openly by greedy Corporates based in powerful countries like UAE, America, Israel and our own. They too pray: ‘Lord Jesus, receive our spirits’.  We think of those in deep despair due to heavy debt, living with a life threatening illness or even accepting complex dimensions in their given sexuality as they feel hopeless, and sometimes consider suicidal thoughts. We listen to their voice as they whisper: ‘Lord Jesus, receive our spirits’.   So, Lord Jesus, we ask you to receive our spirit as we surrender this day to You. Amen.