GRACE, POWER AND WISDOM
In today's first
reading 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. He knew he had
to carry his cross like Jesus did.
The very reason the
Son of God became man for our sake was to redeem us from sin and death, giving
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 this
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.
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
today's first reading 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. He
knew he had to carry his cross like Jesus did.
It's the day after
Christmas Day and Christmas carols are in the air. Nevertheless, Stephen's life
takes us beyond the gifts opened, neglected and left under the tree. Stephen
shows us our heavenly 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?