First reading Acts 6:8-10,7:54-59
The martyrdom of Stephen
Stephen was filled with grace and power and began to work miracles and great signs among the people. But then certain people came forward to debate with Stephen, some from Cyrene and Alexandria who were members of the synagogue called the Synagogue of Freedmen, and others from Cilicia and Asia. They found they could not get the better of him because of his wisdom, and because it was the Spirit that prompted what he said. They were infuriated when they heard this, and ground their teeth at him.
But Stephen, filled with the Holy Spirit, gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at God’s right hand. ‘I can see heaven thrown open’ he said ‘and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.’ At this all the members of the council shouted out and stopped their ears with their hands; then they all rushed at him, sent him out of the city and stoned him. The witnesses put down their clothes at the feet of a young man called Saul. As they were stoning him, Stephen said in invocation, ‘Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.’
Responsorial Psalm 30(31):3-4,6,8,16-17
Into your hands, O Lord, I commend my spirit.
Be a rock of refuge for me,
a mighty stronghold to save me,
for you are my rock, my stronghold.
For your name’s sake, lead me and guide me.
Into your hands I commend my spirit.
It is you who will redeem me, Lord.
As for me, I trust in the Lord:
let me be glad and rejoice in your love.
My life is in your hands, deliver me
from the hands of those who hate me.
Let your face shine on your servant.
Save me in your love.
Gospel Matthew 10:17-22
The Spirit of your Father will be speaking in you
Jesus said to his disciples: ‘Beware of men: they will hand you over to sanhedrins and scourge you in their synagogues. You will be dragged before governors and kings for my sake, to bear witness before them and the pagans. But when they hand you over, do not worry about how to speak or what to say; what you are to say will be given to you when the time comes; because it is not you who will be speaking; the Spirit of your Father will be speaking in you.
‘Brother will betray brother to death, and the father his child; children will rise against their parents and have them put to death. You will be hated by all men on account of my name; but the man who stands firm to the end will be saved.’
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Making Jesus present today
Isn’t it strange that we celebrate the feast of a martyr right after Christmas day? Shouldn’t we continue the joyful celebration and not focus on suffering, rejection, persecution and death? St. Stephen, the first person who gave his life for Christ, brings us back to the authentic meaning of being a disciple of Jesus. We cannot remain neutral as His disciples but need to take a stand and bear witness to Jesus. St. Stephen was stoned to death for His works of mercy and proclamation of the good news of Jesus. Thus, he chose to live and die, not for an idea or a philosophy, but for a person, Jesus. Today, we are called to imitate his example and dare to be living witnesses through our words and actions. By our witnessing, Jesus remains present in our world today.
As we continue our celebration of Christmas, let us be humble signs of the presence of Jesus to those around us. We also pray for Christians who are persecuted for their faith.
Reflective question:
Today, how can I be a witness of Jesus through my words and actions?
Today, how can I be a witness of Jesus through my words and actions?
Acknowledgment: Reflections are based on “Prayer for Living: The Word of God for Daily Prayer Year B” by Sr Sandra Seow FMVD.
