Daily Readings - Sat Dec 26 2020
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 powerful narratives that invite us to reflect on faith, persecution, and the divine presence in our lives. The first reading from Acts recounts the martyrdom of Stephen, one of the first deacons of the Church. Filled with grace and the Holy Spirit, Stephen performs miracles and proclaims the truth, which leads to his persecution. Despite the anger and violence directed toward him, Stephen remains serene, gazing at the glory of God and seeing Jesus at His right hand. His final prayer, asking the Lord to receive his spirit, exemplifies his deep trust in God even in the face of death.
The Gospel from Matthew complements this narrative as Jesus prepares His disciples for the challenges they will face. He warns them that they will be handed over to councils, scourged, and hated by all because of His name. Yet, in the midst of these trials, Jesus assures them that the Spirit of the Father will speak through them. This promise of divine assistance is not limited to the disciples but extends to all who follow Christ and endure persecution for His sake.
These readings remind us that following Christ can lead to opposition and suffering, but they also assure us that we are never alone. Stephen’s example shows us how to remain faithful and peaceful even in the face of death, while Jesus’ words encourage us to trust in the Holy Spirit’s guidance. In our own lives, when we face challenges or setbacks, we can draw strength from these teachings. Let us strive to imitate Stephen’s courage and trust in God’s providence, knowing that He will give us the words and the grace to persevere, even in the most difficult moments.