Daily Readings - Wed Dec 26 2018
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.
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
In today's readings, we encounter two profound narratives that invite us to reflect on faith, persecution, and the unwavering trust in God's providence. The first reading from Acts recounts the martyrdom of Stephen, a deacon filled with the Holy Spirit, who, despite being falsely accused and stoned, prayed for his persecutors and entrusted his spirit to Jesus. The Gospel from Matthew presents Jesus preparing His disciples for the inevitable trials they would face, reassuring them that the Spirit would guide their words and that perseverance in faith would lead to salvation.
These readings are set against the backdrop of the early Christian Church, where believers faced intense persecution. Stephen's story highlights the courage and grace with which he faced death, while Jesus' words in Matthew serve as a warning and a promise to His followers. Both narratives emphasize the reality of suffering for one's faith but also the assurance of divine presence and ultimate triumph.
In our daily lives, these readings challenge us to remain steadfast in our faith, even when faced with adversity. They remind us that our strength comes not from ourselves but from the Holy Spirit. Like Stephen, we are called to forgive and pray for those who wrong us. Like the disciples, we are assured that God will provide the words and wisdom we need in times of trial. Let us embrace these teachings, trusting in God's plan and persevering in our commitment to Him, knowing that through faith, we will overcome any challenge.