26th December, SaturdayI. Acts 6:8-10; 7:54-8: 1
II. Mt 10:17-22
Theme: Nothing is impossible for God.
Today we celebrate the feast of St. Stephen. The theme is witness of Christ. St. Stephen is the first Christian martyr. He was one of the seven deacons, the apostles appointed to assist them in caring for the need of the Christian community.
In the first reading we see that the great wonders and signs Stephen performed in his witness to the risen Christ, before the supreme court of the Jews arrested him. Jews dragged Stephen out of the city and stoned him to death. St. Stephen was one such witness who understood the spirit of Jesus to the full.
In the gospel reading we shall hear that Jesus predicts persecution for his followers. Brother will hand over brother to death, children will turn against parents and have them put to death. Jesus says you will be hated by all on account of me. But whoever holds out till the end will escape death. Jesus means that the faithful ones will escape eternal death. Today we have good example of St. Stephen who witnessed Christ by His sacrifice. When we are brought before the kings or governors, we should not worry about our defense, or how we should face the trails, because, since we are suffering for the sake of Jesus, the Holy spirit will speak on our behalf and Jesus himself will be our strength during the trail. The only thing, we need to trust in the Lord Jesus. So, we need to live our Christian life courageously, putting all our trust in Jesus. How do I witness Jesus Christ in my daily life?
Bro. Prakash Horo SMM
II BTH