Mass Readings and Meditations “The Word Among Us” Thursday, 26 December 2013

Mass Readings and Meditations “The Word Among Us” Thursday, 26 December 2013

Meditation: Acts 6: The Arrest of Stephen

8 Stephen, full of grace and power, did great wonders and signs among the people. 9 Then some of those who belonged to the synagogue of the Freedmen (as it was called), Cyrenians, Alexandrians, and others of those from Cilicia and Asia, stood up and argued with Stephen. 10 But they could not withstand the wisdom and the Spirit[a] with which he spoke.

Footnotes:

a. Acts 6:10 Or spirit; 7: The Stoning of Stephen

54 When they heard these things, they became enraged and ground their teeth at Stephen.[a] 55 But filled with the Holy Spirit, he gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. 56 “Look,” he said, “I see the heavens opened and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God!” 57 But they covered their ears, and with a loud shout all rushed together against him. 58 Then they dragged him out of the city and began to stone him; and the witnesses laid their coats at the feet of a young man named Saul. 59 While they were stoning Stephen, he prayed, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.”

Footnotes:

a. Acts 7:54 Gk him

Saint Stephen, The First Martyr

It will not be you who speak but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you. (Matthew 10:20)

Ah, the day after Christmas. We are still basking in the glow of the star of Bethlehem, the glorious angelic chorus, and the soft lowing of the animals in the stable. Then along comes Stephen to shake us up. Why does the Church put a martyrdom before us on the very day after Christ’s birth?

Perhaps a better question might be why did Jesus take on human flesh in the first place? He came to bring new life. He came to restore creation to his Father. He came to dispel all sin and darkness and fill us with his Spirit. And Stephen is the perfect embodiment of this new life. He shows us what a living witness to Christ looks like. He shows us what a vessel of the Holy Spirit can accomplish.

As a deacon, Stephen tirelessly served the Church. Speaking with the leaders in the synagogue, he offered words of wisdom and inspiration. When faced with the threat of death, he found strength and inspiration in the Spirit. And in his martyrdom, he saw heaven itself, complete with Jesus enthroned in glory. All this happened because Stephen had learned to rely on the Spirit.

Yes, Stephen was a great hero. But don’t forget that you have access to the very same Spirit who formed and strengthened Stephen. You too can become a hero or heroine like him. You may not be called to martyrdom. You may not face overt persecution. But you will have countless opportunities to shine the light of Christ into the darkness of sin, confusion, fear, and hatred.

There are so many forces working against the Lord in this world. The Church needs you. Nothing can turn the tide against the gospel more powerfully than the joy-filled, confident witness of people who are filled with the Spirit. So take Stephen as your model. Let yesterday’s celebration of Christ’s birth fuel your determination to build up his Church and proclaim his good news today.

“Jesus, you are more than a baby in a manger. You are the One who brings the life of heaven to earth! Fill me with your Spirit, and send me out to be a witness to the world.” Amen!

Psalm 31: 3 You are indeed my rock and my fortress;

    for your name’s sake lead me and guide me,

4 take me out of the net that is hidden for me,

    for you are my refuge.

6 You hate[a] those who pay regard to worthless idols,

    but I trust in the Lord.

Footnotes:

a. Psalm 31:6 One Heb Ms Gk Syr Jerome: MT I hate

8 and have not delivered me into the hand of the enemy;

    you have set my feet in a broad place.

16 Let your face shine upon your servant;

    save me in your steadfast love.

17 Do not let me be put to shame, O Lord,

    for I call on you;

let the wicked be put to shame;

    let them go dumbfounded to Sheol.

Matthew 10: 17 Beware of them, for they will hand you over to councils and flog you in their synagogues; 18 and you will be dragged before governors and kings because of me, as a testimony to them and the Gentiles. 19 When they hand you over, do not worry about how you are to speak or what you are to say; for what you are to say will be given to you at that time; 20 for it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you. 21 Brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child, and children will rise against parents and have them put to death; 22 and you will be hated by all because of my name. But the one who endures to the end will be saved.

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