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Wednesday, December 26, 2007, St. Stephen
Acts 6:8-10; 7:54-59, Psalm 31, Matthew 10:17-22
Link to Readings --> http://www.usccb.org/nab/122607.shtml
CHRISTMAS IS WAR ON THE WORLD
"Then they rushed at him as one man, dragged him out of the city, and
began to stone him." —Acts 7:57-58
Most families have special Christmas traditions. On the second day of
Christmas, the Catholic family traditionally recalls the brutal murder of
Stephen, the first martyr. Why recall such a gruesome event, especially at
Christmas time?
The original purpose of Christmas was to challenge the life-style of the
world by intentionally trying to ruin the pagans' festivities. In the
third century, the Romans set their sun-god festival for December 25. They
had the date years before Christians formally celebrated Christmas in the
year 336. Christians intentionally scheduled their celebrations to
conflict with the pagans' festivities. We did this as an act of
aggression, declaring war, picking a fight, and asking for trouble.
Christians made a lot of enemies by breaking up the pagans' parties. We
also stepped on the toes of business people who made money off the pagan
festivities. When you're bad for business, you make even more enemies who
"will hale you into court," "flog you," grind their teeth in anger at you,
and begin to stone you (Mt 10:17; Acts 7:54, 58). "You will be hated by
all" on account of Jesus (Mt 10:22). "But whoever holds out till the end
will escape death" (Mt 10:22).
Prayer: Jesus, may my Christmas be a threat to the world, the flesh, and
the devil.
Promise: "As Stephen was being stoned he could be heard praying, 'Lord
Jesus, receive my spirit.' " —Acts 7:59
Praise: St. Stephen held out to the end, beheld God's glory, and forgave
his enemies as he was brutally murdered.
(For a related teaching, order our leaflet "Spiritual Warfare" or our
audio tape AV 57-3 or video V-57.)
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Rescript: In accord with the "Code of Canon Law", I hereby grant my
permission to publish "One Bread, One Body" covering the period from
December 1, 2008 through January 31, 2008
†Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Vicar General Archdiocese of Cincinnati, July
30, 2007
The rescript is a declaration that a book or pamphlet is considered to be
free of doctrinal or moral error. It is not implied that those who have
granted ecclesial permission agree with the contents, opinions, or
statements expressed.
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