Daily Readings - Thu Dec 26 2019
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 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.