GRACE, POWER AND WISDOM
The way to glory in the
heavenly Kingdom is through the Cross of Jesus Christ. If we want to share in
His glory, then we, too, must take up our cross and live a Gospel life as His
disciples.
The very reason the Son of
God became flesh for our sake was to redeem us from sin and death itself. Jesus
gives us new life as our heavenly Father's adopted children. The way to glory
in the heavenly Kingdom is through the Cross of Jesus Christ. If we want to
share in His glory, then we, too, must take up our cross and live a Gospel life
as His disciples. God gives us sufficient grace to follow and to bear our cross
with strength, courage and hope for the future.
Today, the Church honors St.
Stephen. The New Testament doesn't give many details about Stephen's life. We
know that he was one of seven deacons appointed to care for the poor and the
hungry, as well as the widows and orphans of the early Church. In our first
reading from the Acts of the Apostles, we also learn about Stephen's grace and
power, his wisdom and great wonders. And we learn that he was killed because of
his faith, for He knew he had to carry his cross like Jesus did.
It's the day after Christmas
and we hear carols ringing in the air. Nevertheless, Stephen's life takes us
beyond the gifts opened, neglected, and left under the tree. He shows us our
Father's gift of Jesus given to a poor and broken world. Our Saint's life
offers us the opportunity to give of ourselves. By giving of ourselves, we make
Christmas happen each and every day!
Unless Today The Word Be Made
Flesh, Who Will See Him?