Basic HTML Version
Acts of the Apostles 6:8-10, 7:54-59
Psalm 31:3CD-4, 6 & 8AB, 16BC & 17
Matthew 10:17-22
Summary
It was only yesterday that we celebrated the birth of Jesus with friends, family and together as a faith-
filled community. Martyrdom, suspicion and alleged acts of heresy aren’t exactly the happiest of themes
that one often associates with the Christmas Season. Yet, the scriptures for December 26 could not
have been a more perfect reminder of the power of prayer, discipleship and God’s never-ending love.
In the first reading, Stephen's tenacity and faith helped him enter into eternity. While we may at times be
tempted, have doubts, worry; in the long run, there is a promise. Faith in God and trusting his plan will
provide us the assurance that all will be fine. In order to do this, we have to let go and commend our
spirit to Him. Even the responsorial psalm exalts, "Into your hands, O Lord, I commend my spirit." Easier
said than done, for sure, but half the battle is letting go and putting trust in the Lord. God promises us a
blessed life filled with His love but not always an easy one.
In most cases, people are just trying to live good and holy lives in the midst of chaos and disorder. We
need to stop daily and reflect upon the Word and how it applies to our lives. Mathew’s text summons us
to have courage and faith in times of unfair judgment and contempt for our belief(s). One can see the
parallel from Stephen’s act of faith when proclaiming his conviction and the Word of God via Mathew
proclaiming the guarantee of everlasting life for the faithful.
Reflection
For me, faith has always been and continues to be an extremely personal relationship that devel-
ops over time. Over the years, there has been many a misstep, feeling of uncertainty, and self-doubt. I
often looked to God for direction and strength to overcome the adversity at some point in time; perhaps
not as early as I should have. In Saint Stephen’s case, he turned his ears and eyes to the encouraging
words of God. He didn't complain or abandon God when he was being stoned. He asked the Lord to
receive his spirit because he knew that God loved him and had a plan for him.
Today, we want it easy. We demand instant gratification. We expect God to fix it all. The negative experi-
ences do however have a benefit. They help you recognize just how underdeveloped the relationship you
have with God is. The goal should be to be like Saint Stephen and trust in His plan. In my case, it wasn’
t until lately that prayer found its way into my daily routine and a part of a more natural process. My
“revelation” occurred just a few years ago during a period when I felt
persecuted both professionally and personally. It caused me to reflect
deeply upon my beliefs and who I was as a man, husband, father and
friend. That time of adversity allowed me to recognize that this journey
we’re all on is often perilous; and not many survive that trip. What
helps one sustain it is faith, prayer and a loving family; all working in
harmony.
The scripture for Dec 26 also reminded me of Rudyard Kipling’s poem,
If: