Daily Readings - Tue Dec 26 2017
First Reading - Acts 6.8-10; 7.54-59
Acts
8And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and miracles among the people.9Then there arose certain of the synagogue, which is called the synagogue of the Libertines, and Cyrenians, and Alexandrians, and of them of Cilicia and of Asia, disputing with Stephen.10And they were not able to resist the wisdom and the spirit by which he spake.
54When they heard these things, they were cut to the heart, and they gnashed on him with their teeth.55But he, being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up stedfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God,56And said, Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God.57Then they cried out with a loud voice, and stopped their ears, and ran upon him with one accord,58And cast him out of the city, and stoned him: and the witnesses laid down their clothes at a young man's feet, whose name was Saul.59And they stoned Stephen, calling upon God, and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.
Gospel - Matthew 10.17-22
Matthew
17But beware of men: for they will deliver you up to the councils, and they will scourge you in their synagogues;18And ye shall be brought before governors and kings for my sake, for a testimony against them and the Gentiles.19But when they deliver you up, take no thought how or what ye shall speak: for it shall be given you in that same hour what ye shall speak.20For it is not ye that speak, but the Spirit of your Father which speaketh in you.21And the brother shall deliver up the brother to death, and the father the child: and the children shall rise up against their parents, and cause them to be put to death.22And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved.
Sermon
The readings today present us with powerful images of faith, persecution, and trust in God. In the first reading from Acts, Stephen, filled with the Holy Spirit, stands before his accusers, performing miracles and speaking with wisdom that silences his opponents. Yet, despite his grace, he is met with violence and hatred, ultimately giving his life in martyrdom while praying for his persecutors. In the Gospel, Jesus prepares his disciples for the trials they will face, warning them that they will be handed over to councils and endure suffering for his name. He reassures them, however, that the Spirit will guide their words and actions in those moments of trial.
These readings are deeply connected, as both Stephen’s martyrdom and Jesus’ words to his disciples highlight the reality of persecution and the call to fidelity. Stephen’s death is a direct fulfillment of Jesus’ warning, showing that even the most faithful followers of Christ may face intense opposition. Yet, in both cases, there is a profound trust in God’s providence. Stephen sees the glory of God and Jesus standing at His right hand, while Jesus promises that the Spirit will speak through His disciples in their hour of need. This trust is not passive; it is an active surrender to God’s will, even in the face of suffering.
In our daily lives, we may not face martyrdom, but we all encounter challenges and injustices. These readings invite us to reflect on how we respond to such situations. Do we trust in God’s presence and guidance, even when the road ahead seems uncertain or difficult? Stephen’s prayer, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit,” and Jesus’ promise that the Spirit will speak through us, remind us that our strength comes not from ourselves, but from God. Let us strive to live with the same courage and faith as Stephen, trusting that even in the midst of trials, God is with us, and His grace will sustain us.