DAILY- HOMILY

December 26, 2013

Feast, Saint Stephen, the first martyr

Acts 6:8-10; 7:54-59 / Ps 31: 3cd-4. 6 and 8ab. 16bc and 17 / Mt 10:17-22

Acts 6:8-10; 7:54-59

Stephen, full of grace and power, did great wonders and miraculous signs among the people. ome persons then came forward, who belonged to the so-called Syna gogue of Freedmen from Cyrene, Alexandria, Cilicia and Asia. They argued with Stephen but they could not match the wisdom and the spirit with which he spoke. When they heard this reproach, they were enraged and they gnashed their teeth against Stephen. But he, full of the Holy Spirit, fixed his eyes on heaven and saw the glory of God and Jesus at God's right hand, so he declared: "I see the heavens open and the Son of Man at the right hand of God." But they shouted and covered their ears with their hands and rushed together upon him. They brought him out of the city and stoned him, and the witnesses laid down their cloaks at the feet of a young man named Saul. As they were stoning him, Stephen prayed saying: "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit."

Matthew 10:17-22

Be on your guard with people, for they will hand you over to their courts, and they will flog you in their synagogues. You will be brought to trial before rulers and kings because of me, so you may witness to them and the pagans. But when you are arrested, do not worry about what you are to say, or how you are to say it; when the hour comes, you will be given what you are to say. For it is not you who will speak, but the Spirit of your Father in you. Brother will hand over brother to death, and a father his child; children will turn against parents and have them put to death. Everyone will hate you because of me, but whoever stands firm to the end will be saved.

Reflection

Jesus tells his apostles to be prepared to face persecution because of him. He assures his followers that the spirit of God will speak on their behalf. A day after celebrating the birthday of Jesus, we commemorate the martyrdom of St. Stephen, a sobering reminder that life and death are constantly intertwined. Perhaps a question we can ask ourselves today is: are we willing to live like Christ and face suffering for his sake? Whatever happens, may we always find our strength in him who gave up his life for us. Today, let us also ask St. Stephen to inspire us by his example to live and die bravely for the faith.

Prayer Requests

We pray …

… for a deep and profound respect for life, especially for the unborn.

… for the speedy recovery and healing of Lorenzo Meoli

… for the personal intentions of Beny Chua

… In Memoriam (+): Roperta Santiago, Soterania S. Santiago, Amado Santiago, Bernardo Santiago Jr.

… for all the prayer intentions in the MTQ Dailyprayer Diary.

-               Birthday: Mac Daveth L. Dimaculangan

-               Birthday: Stephanie Lim

-               Birthday: Lilia B Yang

-               In Memoriam (+): Teotimo Tio Tiam

… for families who are in need of healing

… for world peace and reconciliation.

Finally, we pray for one another, for those who have asked our prayers and for those who need our prayers the most.

Have a good day!

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