Daily Readings - Mon Dec 26 2022
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 enduring presence of the Holy Spirit. The first reading from Acts recounts the story of Stephen, one of the first deacons of the Church, who faced fierce opposition for his bold proclamation of the Gospel. Despite being filled with grace and wisdom, Stephen was accused, tried, and ultimately stoned to death. Yet, in his final moments, he gazed heavenward, saw the glory of God, and prayed for his persecutors, echoing the words of Jesus on the cross, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.”
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, Jesus offers a promise of hope and assurance: “When they hand you over, do not worry about what to speak. The Spirit of your Father will speak in you.” This assurance is not just for the disciples but for all who follow Christ and face persecution or adversity.
These readings remind us that following Christ is not without cost. Stephen’s martyrdom and Jesus’ warnings to His disciples challenge us to consider how we live out our faith in the face of opposition. In our daily lives, we may not face physical persecution, but we are called to stand firm in our beliefs, even when they go against the currents of society. The Holy Spirit, who empowered Stephen to forgive his persecutors and who promises to guide us in our words and actions, is our constant companion. Let us pray for the courage to bear witness to the Gospel with grace and fortitude, trusting that even in the darkest moments, God’s glory is revealed, and His Spirit will never abandon us.