Daily Readings - Thu Dec 26 2024
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 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.