We pray you will receive Jesus, the Word Incarnate, in a new way into your
heart.
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Saturday, December 26, 2009, St. Stephen
Acts 6:8-10; 7:54-59, Psalm 31:3-4, 6, 8, 16-17, Matthew 10:17-22
Link to Readings --> http://www.usccb.org/nab/122609.shtml
HE'S GOT THAT CHRISTMAS SPIRIT
"Into Your hands I commend my spirit; You will redeem me, O Lord, O
faithful God." —Psalm 31:6
St. Stephen, "of whom the world was not worthy" (Heb 11:38, RSV-CE),
modeled perfect discipleship and testified to God's all-consuming love.
The deacon Stephen (Acts 6:4-6) knew he was called to be a servant: "Those
who serve well as deacons gain a worthy place for themselves and much
assurance in their faith in Christ Jesus" (1 Tm 3:13). Beyond dedicated
and selfless service, Stephen displayed sacrificial, crucified love.
"There is no greater love than this: to lay down one's life for one's
friends" (Jn 15:13).
Are we willing to boldly proclaim to the world that we are a disciple of
the risen Jesus? Will we cry out with Stephen: "Look!...I see an opening
in the sky, and the Son of Man standing at God's right hand"? (Acts 7:56)
Humanly, it is impossible to muster up the courage to praise and pray in
this way. Nonetheless, "do not be afraid" (Acts 18:9). Jesus and the
Father have sent a "Counselor, the Holy Spirit," to help you (Jn 14:26,
RSV-CE). "The Spirit too helps us in our weakness, for we do not know how
to pray as we ought; but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with
groanings that cannot be expressed in speech" (Rm 8:26).
Jesus therefore tells us, His unworthy disciples, "When they hand you
over, do not worry about what you will say or how you will say it. When
the hour comes, you will be given what you are to say. You yourselves will
not be the speakers; the Spirit of your Father will be speaking in you"
(Mt 10:19-20). With St. Stephen, "receive the Holy Spirit" (Jn 20:22), the
true Christmas spirit.
Prayer: Father, fill me with Your "grace and power" (Acts 6:8). I put my
words and my life in Your hands (Ps 31:6).
Promise: "Whoever holds out to the end will escape death." —Mt 10:22
Praise: Those who debated with St. Stephen "proved no match for the wisdom
and spirit with which he spoke" (Acts 6:10).
(This teaching was submitted by a member of our editorial team.)
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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, 2009 through January 31, 2010
†Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of
Cincinnati, June 4, 2009
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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