Daily Readings - Tue Dec 26 2017

First Reading - Acts 6.8-10; 7.54-59

⁸Then Stephen, filled with grace and fortitude, wrought great signs and miracles among the people⁹But certain ones, from the synagogue of the so-called Libertines, and of the Cyrenians, and of the Alexandrians, and of those who were from Cilicia and Asia rose up and were disputing with Stephen¹⁰But they were not able to resist the wisdom and the Spirit with which he was speaking

Chapter 7

⁵⁴Then, upon hearing these things, they were deeply wounded in their hearts, and they gnashed their teeth at him⁵⁵But he, being filled with the Holy Spirit, and gazing intently toward heaven, saw the glory of God and Jesus standing at the right hand of God.⁵⁶And he said, "Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing at the right hand of God."⁵⁷Then they, crying out with a loud voice, blocked their ears and, with one accord, rushed violently toward him⁵⁸And driving him out, beyond the city, they stoned him. And witnesses placed their garments beside the feet of a youth, who was called Saul⁵⁹And as they were stoning Stephen, he called out and said, "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.

Gospel - Matthew 10.17-22

Matthew

Chapter 10

¹⁷But beware of men. For they will hand you over to councils, and they will scourge you in their synagogues¹⁸And you shall be led before both rulers and kings for my sake, as a testimony to them and to the Gentiles¹⁹But when they hand you over, do not choose to think about how or what to speak. For what to speak shall be given to you in that hour²⁰For it is not you who will be speaking, but the Spirit of your Father, who will speak in you²¹And brother will hand over brother to death, and father will hand over son. And children will rise up against parents and bring about their deaths²²And you will be hated by all for the sake of my name. But whoever will have persevered, even to the end, the same shall be saved

Sermon

The readings today present us with powerful images of faith, persecution, and trust in God. In the first reading from Acts, Stephen, filled with the Holy Spirit, stands before his accusers, performing miracles and speaking with wisdom that silences his opponents. Yet, despite his grace, he is met with violence and hatred, ultimately giving his life in martyrdom while praying for his persecutors. In the Gospel, Jesus prepares his disciples for the trials they will face, warning them that they will be handed over to councils and endure suffering for his name. He reassures them, however, that the Spirit will guide their words and actions in those moments of trial. These readings are deeply connected, as both Stephen’s martyrdom and Jesus’ words to his disciples highlight the reality of persecution and the call to fidelity. Stephen’s death is a direct fulfillment of Jesus’ warning, showing that even the most faithful followers of Christ may face intense opposition. Yet, in both cases, there is a profound trust in God’s providence. Stephen sees the glory of God and Jesus standing at His right hand, while Jesus promises that the Spirit will speak through His disciples in their hour of need. This trust is not passive; it is an active surrender to God’s will, even in the face of suffering. In our daily lives, we may not face martyrdom, but we all encounter challenges and injustices. These readings invite us to reflect on how we respond to such situations. Do we trust in God’s presence and guidance, even when the road ahead seems uncertain or difficult? Stephen’s prayer, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit,” and Jesus’ promise that the Spirit will speak through us, remind us that our strength comes not from ourselves, but from God. Let us strive to live with the same courage and faith as Stephen, trusting that even in the midst of trials, God is with us, and His grace will sustain us.