Daily Catholic Mass Readings for December 26, 2024
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
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.
Psalm 31
1Unto the end. A Psalm of David according to an ecstasy. In you, Lord, I have hoped; let me never be confounded. In your justice, deliver me2Incline your ear to me. Hasten to rescue me. Be for me a protector God and a house of refuge, so as to accomplish my salvation3For you are my strength and my refuge; and for the sake of your name, you will lead me and nourish me4You will lead me out of this snare, which they have hidden for me. For you are my protector5Into your hands, I commend my spirit. You have redeemed me, O Lord, God of truth6You have hated those who practice emptiness to no purpose. But I have hoped in the Lord7I will exult and rejoice in your mercy. For you have looked upon my humility; you have saved my soul from needfulness8And you have not enclosed me in the hands of the enemy. You have set my feet in a spacious place9Have mercy on me, Lord, for I am troubled. My eye has been disturbed by wrath, along with my soul and my gut10For my life has fallen into sorrow, and my years into sighing. My virtue has been weakened in poverty, and my bones have been disturbed11I have become a disgrace among all my enemies, and even more so to my neighbors, and a dread to my acquaintances. Those who catch sight of me, flee away from me12I have become forgotten, like one dead to the heart. I have become like a damaged utensil13For I have heard the harsh criticism of many who linger in the area. While assembled together against me in that place, they deliberated on how to take away my life14But I have hoped in you, O Lord. I said, "You are my God.15My fate is in your hands. Rescue me from the hand of my enemies and from those who are persecuting me16Shine your face upon your servant. Save me in your mercy17Do not let me be confounded, Lord, for I have called upon you. Let the impious be ashamed and be drawn down into Hell18May deceitful lips be silenced: those that speak iniquity against the just, in arrogance and in abusiveness19How great is the multitude of your sweetness, O Lord, which you keep hidden for those who fear you, which you have perfected for those who hope in you, in the sight of the sons of men20You hide them in the concealment of your face, from the disturbance of men. You protect them in your tabernacle, from the contradiction of tongues21Blessed is the Lord. For he has shown his wonderful mercy to me, in a fortified city22But I said in the excess of my mind: "I have been cast away from the glance of your eyes." And so, you heeded the voice of my prayer, while I was still crying out to you23Love the Lord, all you his saints. For the Lord will require truth, and he will abundantly repay those who act with arrogance24Act manfully, and let your heart be strengthened, all you who hope in the Lord
Gospel: Matthew 10.17-22
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 lessons about faith, persecution, and the guidance of the Holy Spirit. In the first reading from Acts, we witness the martyrdom of Stephen, one of the first deacons of the early Church. Stephen, filled with grace and the Holy Spirit, performs great signs and miracles, but his bold proclamation of the Gospel leads to his persecution. Despite the intense anger of his accusers, Stephen remains calm, gazing heavenward and seeing the glory of God with Jesus standing at His right hand. Even as he is stoned, Stephen prays for his persecutors, echoing the forgiveness of Jesus on the cross. This passage reminds us that living out our faith can sometimes lead to suffering, but it also shows us how to face adversity with courage and trust in God.
In the Gospel, Matthew 10:17-22, Jesus warns His disciples about the challenges they will face as they spread the Gospel. He tells them they will be handed over to councils, scourged, and hated by all because of His name. Yet, in the midst of this persecution, Jesus offers a comforting promise: when they are called to speak, it is not they who will be speaking, but the Spirit of the Father who will guide them. This passage emphasizes that our strength in times of trial comes not from ourselves, but from God. It invites us to trust in His providence and to remain steadfast in our faith, even when the world opposes us.
These readings are deeply connected, as both Stephen and the disciples in the Gospel face intense persecution for their faith. Stephen’s martyrdom becomes a testament to the power of the Holy Spirit, who gives him the strength to forgive his enemies even in death. Similarly, Jesus assures His disciples that the Holy Spirit will give them the words to speak when they are called to witness, even in the face of danger. For us today, these readings remind us that living as disciples of Christ may require us to endure hardships, but we are never alone. The Holy Spirit is always with us, guiding us and giving us the courage to persevere. Let us ask for the grace to remain faithful, to trust in God’s plan, and to bear witness to His love, even in the face of adversity.