Readings: Acts 6:8-10,7:54-59, Ps. 31:3-4,6,8,16-17, Matthew 10:17-22
“Brother will deliver up brother to death, and the father his child, and children will rise against parents and have them put to death, and all will hate you for my name’s sake. But he who endures to the end will be saved.” (Matthew 10:21-22)
- Why are we celebrating the feast of St. Stephen, the Martyr, just one day after Christmas? Today’s morning prayer answers: “Grant Lord, we pray that we may imitate what we worship, and so learn to love even our enemies, for we celebrate the heavenly birthday of a man who knew how to pray for his persecutors.”
- In today’s first reading, we notice that Stephen was killed by his friends – fellow Christians, preachers and healers like himself, people who claim to know God. “Some of those who belonged to the synagogue of the Freedmen (as it was called), and of the Cyrenians, and the Alexandrians, and those from Cilicia and Asia, arose and disputed with Stephen.” (Acts 6:9).
- What I don’t get is: If you are convinced that I will go to hell for honouring the Blessed Virgin Mary, why not allow me to enjoy my hell in peace? Why must you argue with me? Recently, someone said I should show them Bible verses mandating the celebration of Christmas. Someone even said that Jesus was not born on December 25th. The arguments go on and on.
- No matter how beautiful our responses are, they are never satisfied. Some people will not rest until they see the Catholic Church completely destroyed. “But they could not withstand the wisdom and the Spirit with which he spoke. Then they secretly instigated men, who said, ‘We have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses and God.’” (Acts 6:10-11).
- There is a saying in pidgin – “the person wei dey cry still fit see road”. Do not assume that everyone showing you love this period truly loves you. Shine your eyes! Be on guard. In today’s Gospel passage, we hear Jesus say: “Beware of men…” In other words: “Be Careful!” It is not everyone who goes to Church (or quote the Bible) that is a Christian.
- The world never accepted Jesus Christ. From the very day he was born, Jesus had enemies – so many people were determined to kill him. They followed him everywhere, looking for loopholes here and there. From Herod, who wiped out children, down to Judas Iscariot, Jesus was always surrounded by enemies. No one has ever been so hated.
- Can I shock you? When your life begins to resemble that of Jesus, people will hate you with equal passion as they hated Jesus. Your family members (fellow Church or fellow Christians) will not be excluded. “Brother will deliver up brother to death, and the father his child, and children will rise against parents and have them put to death.”
- What was Stephen’s real offence? “Stephen, full of grace and power, did great wonders and signs among the people.” (Acts 6:8). Stephen was doing too much too soon. He had just been commissioned to serve at tables but was already doing what Peter did on Pentecost Day. I am not saying you shouldn’t show your talents or use your gifts. However, be prepared for war. If you must serve God, people will fight you.
- We have just celebrated Christmas. Do not throw caution to the wind; be careful. Not all those you think are your friends are friends. This should not scare you. Rather, it should keep you on your toes. As Jesus would say: “Be wise as serpents and innocent as doves.” (Matthew 10:16). In other words, “Use your common sense and be prayerful.” Today’s responsorial psalm is a prayer we must say daily.
Let us pray: Almighty, ever-living God, protect us from the hands of our enemies and grant us the courage of Saint Stephen. We ask this through Our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God forever and ever. Amen.
Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. May God’s abundant blessings be upon us all. (Saint Stephen, the first Martyr - Feast Liturgical Colour: Red. Bible Study: Acts 6:8-10,7:54-59, Ps. 31:3-4,6,8,16-17, Matthew 10:17-22).
@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu