MONDAY, December 26 Saint Stephen

Acts 6:8—7:2a, 51c-60. Then he knelt down and cried out in a loud voice, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” When he had said this, he died.

Saint Stephen was the first martyr for the Christian faith, though he was hardly the last. In many countries that are historically Catholic, Anglican, or Lutheran, his feast day is still celebrated as a public holiday. Stephen was prominent among the first faithful followers of Christ. An angry mob, with the active approval of “a young man named Saul,” stoned him to death outside Jerusalem.

This might seem like an abrupt next day in our Christian calendar. We have scarcely had time to welcome our redeemer, and the cycle of persecution begins. Yet Stephen’s cruel death reflects the steady growth of Jesus’ transforming love on earth. That young man named Saul, nodding his approval over the stoning of Stephen, would become our own Saint Paul. He would be bathed in the blinding light of God’s truth and become the foremost Christian evangelist of his time. And so, we move forward.

PRAY for the Diocese of Ysabel (Melanesia)

Ps 31 or 31:1-5; Jeremiah 26:1-9, 12-15; Matthew 23:34-39

View the daily Lectionary Readings at http://satucket.com/lectionary/

Or view the Bible passages at Biblegateway.com or Oremus Bible browser.

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Faith and Sacrifice

Dec 26, 2011 at 6:41 am

Written by A,

As the author points out, one day past the celebration of Christ's birth we are reminded of the challenge of maintaining our faith through doubt, injustice and life's trials. As Stephen's heart and faith and knowledge of the love of God sustained him, may we all be sustained and trust the hand of God in our joys and sorrows.

Thanks

Dec 26, 2011 at 9:15 am

Written by Marco of San Francisco,

Thanks to the author of this month's meditations, to all who
start your day with these meditations and to you A, for reminding
all of us to "trust the hand of God in our joys and also in our sorrows."

Thanks be to God!

...

Dec 26, 2011 at 9:32 am

Written by nancy berndt,

If Stephen, the most vehement opponent of Christ, could have his heart changed so dramatically, consider what the Holy Spirit can do in your life to grow you....and then access that power. God, in His graciousness and mercy, has blessed us with all kindness.

...

Dec 26, 2011 at 11:40 am

Written by focus,

Stephen pleas for others to not be punished by God. What is the purpose of the recording of this statement? Could it be that for those who read these words, we understand that we are to forgive one another 70 times 7(always and perfectly as Christ forgave us)regardless of the wrong and suffering they may cause us. Jesus said, "Father forgive them." Our Lord will judge in the end and the new heaven and new earth will be perfect!

FAITH

Dec 26, 2011 at 12:11 pm

Written by Marti,

Thank you to the writer of this month's meditations and thanks to all those who have commented. I was laid off this month and have really struggled about my future. But then I read the daily meditations and am comforted in knowing that God will take care of me and Jesus will see me through this trying time. I thank God for loving me and am grateful for my many blessings including good health so that I will be ready, willing and able to return to work when the opportunity arrives.

you tube

Dec 26, 2011 at 1:36 pm

Written by liz,

I find the response of Zechariah in the old (vengance) markedly opposite that of Stephan-forgiveness. Here is the you tube link to the tune and art for Good King: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wfKtrJ1GvOU.

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