Daily Readings - Mon Dec 26 2022
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 powerful narratives that invite us to reflect on faith, persecution, and the enduring presence of the Holy Spirit. The first reading from Acts recounts the story of Stephen, one of the first deacons of the Church, who faced fierce opposition for his bold proclamation of the Gospel. Despite being filled with grace and wisdom, Stephen was accused, tried, and ultimately stoned to death. Yet, in his final moments, he gazed heavenward, saw the glory of God, and prayed for his persecutors, echoing the words of Jesus on the cross, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.”
The Gospel from Matthew complements this narrative as Jesus prepares His disciples for the challenges they will face. He warns them that they will be handed over to councils, scourged, and hated by all because of His name. Yet, Jesus offers a promise of hope and assurance: “When they hand you over, do not worry about what to speak. The Spirit of your Father will speak in you.” This assurance is not just for the disciples but for all who follow Christ and face persecution or adversity.
These readings remind us that following Christ is not without cost. Stephen’s martyrdom and Jesus’ warnings to His disciples challenge us to consider how we live out our faith in the face of opposition. In our daily lives, we may not face physical persecution, but we are called to stand firm in our beliefs, even when they go against the currents of society. The Holy Spirit, who empowered Stephen to forgive his persecutors and who promises to guide us in our words and actions, is our constant companion. Let us pray for the courage to bear witness to the Gospel with grace and fortitude, trusting that even in the darkest moments, God’s glory is revealed, and His Spirit will never abandon us.