Daily Readings - Wed Dec 26 2018
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
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.