Greetings on this the Feast of Saint Stephen, first martyr
Readings: Acts 6:8-10; 7:54-59; Ps 31:3cd-4, 6 and 8ab, 16bc and 17; Mt 10:17-22
Notes
Pope Francis’ message of December 21st, 2023 comes to life today in the Feast of Saint Stephen, who gave his life as a gift and shared the heavenly vision of love.
“Sixty years after the [Second Vatican] Council, we are still debating the division between ‘progressives’ and ‘conservatives,’ while the real difference is between lovers and those who have lost that initial passion,” Pope Francis told the cardinals and senior officials of the Roman Curia when he met them for the traditional exchange of Christmas greetings this morning, Dec. 21. “That is the difference. Only those who love can journey forward.”
He recalled that a zealous priest once told him, “It is not easy to rekindle the embers under the ashes of the church.” Francis added, “Today we strive to kindle passion in those who have long since lost it.”
Source: Pope Francis , https://www.americamagazine.org/faith/2023/12/21/pope-francis-christmas-address-roman-curia-246784
Summary
We are in the eight day celebration (Octave of Christmas) for the Nativity of the Lord Jesus Christ. We are in no rush off to another thing or another purpose or another distraction as if distraction is the goal and aim. No, Jesus Incarnate is the height of the visible dwelling of the LORD with the people. When you consider Pope Francis’ words above and the first reading today we realize we are all put to the question of who and what exactly am I?
- Are we still debating the division between ‘progressives’ and ‘conservatives’?
- Are we self-aware enough to know if we are lovers or those who have lost that initial passion?
Stephen, filled with grace and power, was working great wonders and signs among the people. But he, filled with the Holy Spirit, looked up intently to heaven and saw the glory of God and Jesus standing at the right hand of God.
- Are we filled with grace and power?
- Do we see the glory of God and Jesus standing at the right hand of God?
Reflection
This reflection on the occasion of the Feast of Saint Stephen is not meant to harm or bruise. Instead, those of us who profess Christ, must look more deeply into the mystery of Christmas. Pope Francis’ goal is to reignite the flame of love, for “Today we strive to kindle passion in those who have long since lost it.”
Personal Reflection
It is no easier for me than for anyone else to incorporate the teaching of the Holy Spirit through the gifts of Pope Francis. He is a straight talker and very specific in his corrections and at the same time a mystical speaker who forces us to think. How exhausting ministry can be and how elevating it can be! Is it not so the LORD was ‘lifted Up’ with the twin meaning of crucifixion and being seated at the right hand of the Father.
Our gospel message from Jesus reveals the presence of the Father in all tribulation and He will give us the Holy Spirit to speak truth for the purpose of freeing people from sin. We are to beware but also docile that the LORD may speak through us. Renew the passion of your faith. Ignore the threats of the world. There is no fear in love, but perfect love drives out fear because fear has to do with punishment, and so one who fears is not yet perfect in love (1 Jn 4:18).
Call to Action
Pray with me. Put us afire!
Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful
and kindle in them the fire of your love.
Send forth your Spirit and they shall be created,
and you shall renew the face of the earth.
Let us pray.
O God, who have taught the hearts of the faithful
by the light of the Holy Spirit,
grant that in the same Spirit we may be truly wise
and ever rejoice in his consolation.
Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Source: https://www.usccb.org/prayers/prayer-holy-spirit
First Reading
[Stephen] he said, “Behold, I see the heavens opened and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God. he said, “Behold, I see the heavens opened and the Son of Man
standing at the right hand of God.
Responsorial
Into your hands, O Lord, I commend my spirit.
Into your hands I commend my spirit;
you will redeem me, O LORD, O faithful God.
I will rejoice and be glad because of your mercy.
Gospel Acclamation
Blessed is he who comes in the name of the LORD: the LORD is God and has given us light.
Gospel
Jesus said to his disciples: “Beware of men, for they will hand you over to courts and scourge you. You will be led before governors and kings for my sake as a witness before them and the pagans. When they hand you over, do not worry about how you are to speak or what you are to say. You will be given at that moment what you are to say. For it will not be you who speak but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.
Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry