Daily Reflections ...

St. Stephen, one of seven deacons appointed by the Apostles to care for elderly women, widows, and orphans, is honoured as the first Christian martyr whose steadfast witness to Christ led to his stoning. It is estimated that 90,000 Christians are killed each year for the public witness of their beliefs. Like the Jewish religious leaders who stoned Stephen, (Acts 7:54-60) there are many people in authority today that continue to persecute and kill others because of their beliefs.

This injunction from today’s Gospel to rely on the wisdom that comes from the Spirit when you are facing trial and persecution is not a security pass to gain your freedom but rather ensures the integrity of your witness to the person of Jesus.

After the joy of Christmas yesterday, it is sobering to be reminded that to be a disciple of the Christ child is to set yourself against the powers of this world, which sometimes demands the ultimate cost. Jesus, as an infant experienced this in his flight to Egypt to avoid being killed by Herod, who feared his kingship.

Today, let us pray for all those who are persecuted for their witness to salvation found in the person of Jesus Christ and, like St. Stephen, entrust our lives with the words: “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.”   

By Mike Humphrys