Daily Scripture Reflection & Prayer: December 26, 2024

Date: Feast of St. Stephen

Scripture Text: Acts 6:8-10; 7:54-59

Stephen, filled with grace and power, was working great wonders and signs among the people. Certain members of the so-called Synagogue of Freedmen, Cyrenians, and Alexandrians, and people from Cilicia and Asia, came forward and debated with Stephen, but they could not withstand the wisdom and the spirit with which he spoke.

When they heard this, they were infuriated, and they ground their teeth at him. 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, and he said, "Behold, I see the heavens opened and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God." But they cried out in a loud voice, covered their ears, and rushed upon him together. They threw him out of the city and began to stone him. The witnesses laid down their cloaks at the feet of a young man named Saul. As they were stoning Stephen, he called out "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit."

Breaking the text open – background and summary:

The first reading for today, the Feast of St. Stephen, is the account of St. Stephen’s martyrdom as recorded in the Acts of the Apostles. Stephen was an early Christian, one of the 7 deacons chosen prayerfully by the Apostles to serve the community needs (Acts 6:1-7)

Meditating on the text with personal questions:

Am I open to the LORD using me as His instrument in this world?

Praying:

LORD, You created each of us from love, through love, and in love and each of is You gift with life and purpose. Grant that we may prayerfully discern how we are called to uniquely serve You. Open us to your graces and to your call to bring You and your love to others and other to You. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.