Friday, December 26, 2014 Today is the feast of St. Stephen, the first Martyr. St. Stephen was the first Christian martyred and one of the seven deacons who helped the Apostles. He died praying for his executioners; the similarities between his martyrdom and the Crucifixion of Our Lord shows his perfect imitation of Christ even unto death. Gospel: Mt 10:17-22 Coming Persecutions. You will be hated by all because of my name. But whoever endures to the end will be saved. Reflection: As we ponder this great saint right after CHRISTmas, we understand that the little Child whom we adore in the manger came precisely for this kind of victory: the victory over sin and death, the transformation of our sinful nature into CHRIST-likeness. Our CHRISTmas joy is that CHRIST has given us his very life, and now we can give our lives to him, and share in giving new life in him to others. Pain and suffering also mark the lives of persons who decide to follow Jesus. The Star of Bethlehem gathers not a gang of thrilled and shrieking fans but a retinue of solemn and tested disciples. Amen.
Posted on: Thu, 25 Dec 2014 22:32:50 +0000
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