ENDURANCE THROUGH SACRIFICE - 12/26/22 (Feast of Saint Stephen, first martyr)

Matthew 10:21–22

“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 you will be hated by all for my name’s sake. But he who endures to the end will be saved.”

For the full readings, click here: 

https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/122622.cfm

Blessed Feast of St. Stephen! In the gospel reading, Jesus was clear that there would be persecutions in Christianity. And, the first of the martyrs of Christianity is St. Stephen. He was one of the seven deacons who helped in the ministry of the Apostles. He was strong in his faith and filled by the Holy Spirit. When he was preaching the gospel, many Jews debated him, but because of God's wisdom, his explanations could not be rebutted. Due to the anger of the Jewish leaders, they decided to kill him. What strengthened St. Stephen when he was dragged out of Jerusalem and stoned to death? It's his faith in Christ. He took seriously the words of our Lord Jesus, especially when He said, "But he who endures to the end will be saved." Whenever we are experiencing physical sufferings and temptations, let's remember the promise of eternal life for us to remain faithful to God. St. Stephen saw Jesus Christ when he gazed at heaven (Acts 7:55). May this be our reminder knowing that our Lord chose to be born as an Infant for us to enter the Kingdom of God. 

Another important aspect to ponder upon in the life of St. Stephen is his love for his enemies. Despite the sufferings he went through from the hands of his enemies, he still forgave them of their sins, and he prayed for them. How about us? What do we do when our families and friends cause us sufferings? Do we remain patient with them, forgive them in our hearts and pray for their conversion? Or, do we dwell on our negative emotions and anger towards them? St. Stephen was able to obey the teachings of Christ because this was what our Lord also did with us. Jesus still chose to become a human being despite the fact that He would bore our sins on the cross. We acted as enemies of Christ during the times that we were offending Him. Despite all of this, His love for us did not lessen. Jesus has shown throughout His whole life His immense and immeasurable love for us by forgiving us on the cross. As we celebrate the entrance of St  Stephen to heavenly glory, let's beg for God's graces to endure such sufferings and learn to imitate St. Stephen's love for God and for neighbors. 

Amen +

Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, be with us always until the hour of our death. Amen. +

May the Lord + bless us, protect us from all evil and bring us to everlasting life. Amen. +  

Reflection by: Dominic

Feast of St. Stephen:

https://mycatholic.life/saints/saints-of-the-liturgical-year/26-december-saint-stephen-the-first-martyr--feast/

Examination of Conscience and Guide to Sacrament of Confession:

https://mycatholic.life/catholic-prayers/examination-of-conscience/

Ultimate Catholic Parents Guide:

https://youtube.com/watch?v=Ls6IcexZAls

Summary and Defense of Catholic Teachings:

https://www.catholic.com/tract/pillar-of-fire-pillar-of-truth