Daily Scripture Reflection & Prayer: December 26, 2025

Date: Feast of St. Stephen

Scripture Text:  Matthew 10:17-22

Jesus said to his disciples: "Beware of men, for they will hand you over to courts and scourge you in their synagogues, and 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. Brother will hand over brother to death, and the father his child; children will rise up against parents and have them put to death. You will be hated by all because of my name, but whoever endures to the end will be saved."

Breaking the text open – background and summary:

In today’s gospel on the Feast of St. Stephen, the first Christian martyr, we are reminded of Jesus’ warning of persecution of believers but also of His reassurance that our endurance in faith will matter.

Meditating on the text with personal questions:

How willing am I to suffer for love of Christ and commitment to proclaiming Him LORD, Son of God?

Praying:

LORD, Jesus Christ, Son of God, our Savior, during this Christmas season as we celebrate your birth, your presence, your gift of self to all of us, help us to give ourselves to You. Send your Spirit to strengthen our faith, to expand our hope, and to increase our love so that we may follow You as You ask us to do even when it isn’t easy for love of You and for the glory of the Father Almighty. Amen.