St. Stephen, "of whom the world was not worthy" (Heb 11:38, RSV-CE), modeled perfect discipleship and testified to God's all-consuming love. The deacon Stephen (Acts 6:4-6) knew he was called to be a servant: "Those who serve well as deacons gain a worthy place for themselves and much assurance in their faith in Christ Jesus" (1 Tm 3:13). Beyond dedicated and selfless service, Stephen displayed sacrificial, crucified love. "There is no greater love than this: to lay down one's life for one's friends" (Jn 15:13).
Are we willing to boldly proclaim to the world that we are a disciple of the risen Jesus? Will we cry out with Stephen: "Look!...I see an opening in the sky, and the Son of Man standing at God's right hand"? (Acts 7:56) Humanly, it is impossible to muster up the courage to praise and pray in this way. Nonetheless, "do not be afraid" (Acts 18:9). Jesus and the Father have sent a "Counselor, the Holy Spirit," to help you (Jn 14:26, RSV-CE). "The Spirit too helps us in our weakness, for we do not know how to pray as we ought; but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings that cannot be expressed in speech" (Rm 8:26).
Jesus therefore tells us, His unworthy disciples, "When they hand you over, do not worry about what you will say or how you will say it. When the hour comes, you will be given what you are to say. You yourselves will not be the speakers; the Spirit of your Father will be speaking in you" (Mt 10:19-20). With St. Stephen, "receive the Holy Spirit" (Jn 20:22), the true Christmas spirit.
| PRAYER: | Father, fill me with Your "grace and power" (Acts 6:8). I put my words and my life in Your hands (Ps 31:6). |
| PROMISE: | "Whoever holds out to the end will escape death." –Mt 10:22 |
| PRAISE: | Those who debated with St. Stephen "proved no match for the wisdom and spirit with which he spoke" (Acts 6:10). |
Reprinted with permission from Presentation Ministries, a lay association of the Catholic Church that focuses on evangelization and discipleship through Bible teaching, daily Mass, the charisms of the Holy Spirit, and Small Christian Community. Their ministries include:
· One Bread, One Body
· Daily Bread Radio Program
· Annual Bible Institute
· Discipleship Retreats
· Guadalupe Bible College