Daily Readings - Wed Dec 26 2018
Acts
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
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.
Matthew
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
In today's readings, we encounter two profound narratives that invite us to reflect on faith, persecution, and the unwavering trust in God's providence. The first reading from Acts recounts the martyrdom of Stephen, a deacon filled with the Holy Spirit, who, despite being falsely accused and stoned, prayed for his persecutors and entrusted his spirit to Jesus. The Gospel from Matthew presents Jesus preparing His disciples for the inevitable trials they would face, reassuring them that the Spirit would guide their words and that perseverance in faith would lead to salvation.
These readings are set against the backdrop of the early Christian Church, where believers faced intense persecution. Stephen's story highlights the courage and grace with which he faced death, while Jesus' words in Matthew serve as a warning and a promise to His followers. Both narratives emphasize the reality of suffering for one's faith but also the assurance of divine presence and ultimate triumph.
In our daily lives, these readings challenge us to remain steadfast in our faith, even when faced with adversity. They remind us that our strength comes not from ourselves but from the Holy Spirit. Like Stephen, we are called to forgive and pray for those who wrong us. Like the disciples, we are assured that God will provide the words and wisdom we need in times of trial. Let us embrace these teachings, trusting in God's plan and persevering in our commitment to Him, knowing that through faith, we will overcome any challenge.