Daily Readings - Thu Dec 26 2019
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 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.