Dec 26 2022

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

² Incline thy ear to me, rescue me speedily! Be thou a rock of refuge for me, a strong fortress to save me!
³ Yea, thou art my rock and my fortress; for thy name’s sake lead me and guide me,
⁵ Into thy hand I commit my spirit; thou hast redeemed me, O LORD, faithful God.
⁷ I will rejoice and be glad for thy steadfast love, because thou hast seen my affliction, thou hast taken heed of my adversities,
¹⁶ Let thy face shine on thy servant; save me in thy steadfast 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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St. Stephen: Imitating Jesus, His master

The day after Christmas, we celebrate the Feast of St. Stephen, who imitated Jesus, even in death. It reminds us that Christianity is not simply celebrating the birth of Jesus but a daily call to imitate Him, like St. Stephen. The first reading shows how St. Stephen was violently stoned to death. He neither defended himself nor retaliated against his attackers. Instead, he uttered, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them”. His words bring to mind Jesus’ words on the cross, “Father, forgive them for they do not know what they do”. St. Stephen imitated Jesus’ heart of merciful love in the face of violence and death. Moreover, just before he breathed his last, he said, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit”, and thus, echoing Jesus’ cry to God the Father, “Father, into your hands, I commend my spirit”. The way St. Stephen died reflected how He lived, i.e. he constantly entrusted himself to God’s loving care.

As we celebrate this feast, let us ask Jesus for the grace to imitate Him faithfully to the end.

Reflective question:
What is Jesus’ invitation in this time of prayer?

Acknowledgment: Reflections are based on “Prayer for Living: The Word of God for Daily Prayer Year C” by Sr Sandra Seow FMVD.