Daily Readings - Thu Dec 26 2024
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
The readings today present us with powerful lessons about faith, persecution, and the guidance of the Holy Spirit. In the first reading from Acts, we witness the martyrdom of Stephen, one of the first deacons of the early Church. Stephen, filled with grace and the Holy Spirit, performs great signs and miracles, but his bold proclamation of the Gospel leads to his persecution. Despite the intense anger of his accusers, Stephen remains calm, gazing heavenward and seeing the glory of God with Jesus standing at His right hand. Even as he is stoned, Stephen prays for his persecutors, echoing the forgiveness of Jesus on the cross. This passage reminds us that living out our faith can sometimes lead to suffering, but it also shows us how to face adversity with courage and trust in God.
In the Gospel, Matthew 10:17-22, Jesus warns His disciples about the challenges they will face as they spread the Gospel. He tells them they will be handed over to councils, scourged, and hated by all because of His name. Yet, in the midst of this persecution, Jesus offers a comforting promise: when they are called to speak, it is not they who will be speaking, but the Spirit of the Father who will guide them. This passage emphasizes that our strength in times of trial comes not from ourselves, but from God. It invites us to trust in His providence and to remain steadfast in our faith, even when the world opposes us.
These readings are deeply connected, as both Stephen and the disciples in the Gospel face intense persecution for their faith. Stephen’s martyrdom becomes a testament to the power of the Holy Spirit, who gives him the strength to forgive his enemies even in death. Similarly, Jesus assures His disciples that the Holy Spirit will give them the words to speak when they are called to witness, even in the face of danger. For us today, these readings remind us that living as disciples of Christ may require us to endure hardships, but we are never alone. The Holy Spirit is always with us, guiding us and giving us the courage to persevere. Let us ask for the grace to remain faithful, to trust in God’s plan, and to bear witness to His love, even in the face of adversity.