Daily Readings - Sat Dec 26 2020
Acts
8And Stephen, full of grace and power, was doing great wonders and signs among the people.9Then some of those who belonged to the synagogue of the Freedmen (as it was called), and of the Cyrenians, and of the Alexandrians, and of those from Cilicia and Asia, rose up and disputed with Stephen.10But they could not withstand the wisdom and the Spirit with which he was speaking.
54Now when they heard these things they were enraged, and they ground their teeth at him.55But he, full of the Holy Spirit, gazed into heaven and 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."57But they cried out with a loud voice and stopped their ears and rushed together at him.58Then they cast him out of the city and stoned him. And the witnesses laid down their garments at the feet of a young man named Saul.59And as they were stoning Stephen, he called out, "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit."
Matthew
17Beware of men, for they will deliver you over to courts and flog you in their synagogues,18and you will be dragged before governors and kings for my sake, to bear witness before them and the Gentiles.19When they deliver you over, do not be anxious how you are to speak or what you are to say, for what you are to say will be given to you in that hour.20For it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.21Brother will deliver brother over to death, and the father his child, and children will rise against parents and have them put to death,22and you will be hated by all for my name's sake. But the one who endures to the end will 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.