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 my rock of refuge,
a stronghold to give me safety.
You are my rock and my fortress;
for your name’s sake you will lead and guide me.
Into your hands I commend my spirit;
you will redeem me, O LORD, O faithful God.
I will rejoice and be glad because of your mercy.
Rescue me from the clutches of my enemies and my persecutors.
Let your face shine upon your servant;
save me in your kindness.
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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Committed to follow Jesus to the end
We celebrate the Feast of St Stephen the First Martyr, who remained faithful to Jesus even in the face of death. This feast serves as a reminder that Christmas is not just about celebrating the birth of Jesus; it is also a call to commit ourselves to following Jesus faithfully. This commitment may require us to set aside our self-centred pride, laziness, addictions, jealousy, and other behaviours that draw us away from God and hinder our ability to love and serve others.
In today’s gospel, Jesus speaks of the challenges that arise when we choose to follow Him. We may encounter opposition, even from family members and friends. Despite these difficulties, there is a profound sense of comfort. Jesus assures us by saying, “Do not worry… the Spirit of your Father will be speaking in you, will be acting through you, will be loving with you.” God will guide our words and actions, empowering us to face the complexities of our relationships. Even when we face misunderstanding or criticism, we can depend on the Spirit to fill us with love and wisdom, helping us to remain steadfast in our journey of following Jesus.
Reflective question:
What place does Jesus occupy in my life?
Acknowledgment: Reflections are based on “Prayer for Living: The Word of God for Daily Prayer Year A” by Sr Maria Jose FMVD
