Friday.blog
The Catholic Calendar for Friday, December 26, 2003
Feast of St. Stephen, first martyr
Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Acts 6:8-10;7:54-59
Psalm 31:3-4,6-8,17,21
Matthew 10:17-22
A reflection:
After the joyful, peace-filled spirit of Jesus' Birthday, it is always a shock to celebrate a martyr's death the very next day -- fallout from the life and message of the Prince of Peace. Jesus, as an adult, always spoke out fearlessly to those who ignored the path of righteousness, and who abused the weak and powerless. To confront the power people directly to their faces with accusations of sin, was a most dangerous action. It brought out Jesus' death, and it resulted in the stoning of Stephen. Their commendations of their lives to the Father are remarkably similar.
We have seen modern examples of this in the assassination of Bishop Oscar Romero, and in the deaths of countless priests and prelates during Communist rule in Poland and China. While we are not directly in danger, we are nonetheless challenged daily to speak and live the truth of Jesus' message despite opposition even from our own families and friends. The Incarnation of the Son of God has changed the world, and must continue to change it until Truth and Justice reign supreme.
- Msgr. Paul Whitmore (smartins at twcny dot rr dot com)
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