GRACE, POWER AND WISDOM
Our saint's life offers us the opportunity to give of ourselves.
The very reason the
Son of God took flesh and became man for our sake was to redeem us from sin and
death itself. He gave 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 act
on living a Gospel of life as His disciple. God gives us sufficient grace to
follow and to bear the cross with strength, courage and full of hope in 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,
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. We also learn that he was killed because of his faith. He knew
he had to carry his cross after Jesus.
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 a tree. Stephen
shows you and me 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.
Points to Pray and Ponder: By giving ourselves, we make Christmas happen
each and everyday! Unless Today The Word Be Made Flesh Who Will See Him?