Daily Readings - Tue Dec 26 2017
Acts
8Now Stephen, a man full of God's grace and power, did great wonders and miraculous signs among the people.9Opposition arose, however, from members of the Synagogue of the Freedmen (as it was called)--Jews of Cyrene and Alexandria as well as the provinces of Cilicia and Asia. These men began to argue with Stephen,10but they could not stand up against his wisdom or the Spirit by whom he spoke.
54When they heard this, they were furious and gnashed their teeth at him.55But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, looked up to heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God.56"Look," he said, "I see heaven open and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God."57At this they covered their ears and, yelling at the top of their voices, they all rushed at him,58dragged him out of the city and began to stone him. Meanwhile, the witnesses laid their clothes at the feet of a young man named Saul.59While they were stoning him, Stephen prayed, "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit."
Matthew
17"Be on your guard against men; they will hand you over to the local councils and flog you in their synagogues.18On my account you will be brought before governors and kings as witnesses to them and to the Gentiles.19But when they arrest you, do not worry about what to say or how to say it. At that time you will be given what to say,20for it will not be you speaking, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.21"Brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child; children will rebel against their parents and have them put to death.22All men will hate you because of me, but he who stands firm to the end will 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.