Daily Catholic Mass Readings for December 26, 2019
First Reading: Acts 6.8-10; 7.54-59
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.
Psalm 31
1In thee, O LORD, do I put my trust; let me never be ashamed: deliver me in thy righteousness.2Bow down thine ear to me; deliver me speedily: be thou my strong rock, for an house of defence to save me.3For thou art my rock and my fortress; therefore for thy name's sake lead me, and guide me.4Pull me out of the net that they have laid privily for me: for thou art my strength.5Into thine hand I commit my spirit: thou hast redeemed me, O LORD God of truth.6I have hated them that regard lying vanities: but I trust in the LORD.7I will be glad and rejoice in thy mercy: for thou hast considered my trouble; thou hast known my soul in adversities;8And hast not shut me up into the hand of the enemy: thou hast set my feet in a large room.9Have mercy upon me, O LORD, for I am in trouble: mine eye is consumed with grief, yea, my soul and my belly.10For my life is spent with grief, and my years with sighing: my strength faileth because of mine iniquity, and my bones are consumed.11I was a reproach among all mine enemies, but especially among my neighbours, and a fear to mine acquaintance: they that did see me without fled from me.12I am forgotten as a dead man out of mind: I am like a broken vessel.13For I have heard the slander of many: fear was on every side: while they took counsel together against me, they devised to take away my life.14But I trusted in thee, O LORD: I said, Thou art my God.15My times are in thy hand: deliver me from the hand of mine enemies, and from them that persecute me.16Make thy face to shine upon thy servant: save me for thy mercies' sake.17Let me not be ashamed, O LORD; for I have called upon thee: let the wicked be ashamed, and let them be silent in the grave.18Let the lying lips be put to silence; which speak grievous things proudly and contemptuously against the righteous.19Oh how great is thy goodness, which thou hast laid up for them that fear thee; which thou hast wrought for them that trust in thee before the sons of men!20Thou shalt hide them in the secret of thy presence from the pride of man: thou shalt keep them secretly in a pavilion from the strife of tongues.21Blessed be the LORD: for he hath shewed me his marvellous kindness in a strong city.22For I said in my haste, I am cut off from before thine eyes: nevertheless thou heardest the voice of my supplications when I cried unto thee.23O love the LORD, all ye his saints: for the LORD preserveth the faithful, and plentifully rewardeth the proud doer.24Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the LORD.
Gospel: Matthew 10.17-22
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 illuminate the journey of faith and perseverance. The first reading from Acts recounts the story of Stephen, one of the first deacons, who faced intense opposition for his unwavering commitment to the Gospel. Despite the wisdom and miracles he performed, Stephen was met with hostility, leading to his martyrdom by stoning. This event marks a pivotal moment in the early Christian church, highlighting the beginning of persecution and introducing Saul, who would later become the Apostle Paul, a testament to God's transformative power.
The Gospel reading from Matthew presents Jesus preparing His disciples for the challenges they will face. He warns them of impending persecutions and assures them that the Holy Spirit will guide their words and actions during these trials. This passage underscores the reality of hardship in the life of a disciple and offers a message of hope and divine assistance.
These readings are deeply connected, as both address the theme of enduring persecution with faith. Stephen's martyrdom exemplifies the reality of suffering for one's beliefs, while Jesus' words provide the theological foundation, encouraging believers to trust in the Holy Spirit's guidance. In our daily lives, we may face lesser forms of persecution or challenges, but the lessons remain relevant. We are called to remain steadfast in our faith, trusting that God will provide the strength and wisdom needed to navigate difficult times.
The moral lesson here is one of perseverance and trust. Like Stephen, we must stand firm in our convictions, even when faced with adversity. Jesus' promise assures us that we are not alone; the Holy Spirit will guide us. As we reflect on these readings, let us embrace the courage to endure hardships with faith, knowing that our perseverance is a testament to God's grace and power in our lives.