Saint Stephen
Mt 10: 17-22
Beware of them, for they will hand you over to councils and flog you in their synagogues; and you will be dragged before governors and kings because of me, as a testimony to them and the Gentiles. 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; for it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.
Brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child, and children will rise against parents and have them put to death; and you will be hated by all because of my name. But the one who endures to the end will be saved.
New Revised Standard Version, copyright 1989, by the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved. USCCB approved.
Sole Purpose
As Anchorman, Ron Burgundy, would say, “Boy, that escalated quickly!” Yesterday’s ”peace on earth, goodwill towards men” is today’s “beware of men for they will hand you over.” Christmas is about light and joy, yet today’s Gospel is about darkness and death. Why such a dramatic shift? Today’s Gospel is not intended to frighten or intimidate us, but rather to remind us that the sole purpose of the lowly infant lying in the manger is to save us and make us whole again – “long lay the world in sin and error pining, ‘till he appeared and the soul felt its worth.” It reminds us that we are all called to bear witness to the birth, death, and resurrection of Jesus, just as St. Stephen did. We can still enjoy the glow of Christmas, but we must acknowledge the shadow of Calvary. Today, imagine yourself in the manger. As you gaze upon the infant Jesus, breathe in his newborn scent, and just allow your “soul [to feel] its worth.”
—Jackie Schulte is the Dean of Faculty Formation at Creighton Preparatory School in Omaha, Nebraska.
Prayer
Merciful Lord,
we thank you for the signs of your mercy revealed in birth and death:
save us by the coming of your Son,
and give us joy in honoring Stephen, first martyr of the new Israel;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen
—Prayer from the liturgy for the feast of St. Stephen