Friday, December 26, 2014

Feast of Saint Stephen, First Martyr

You will be hated by all because of my name, but whoever endures to the end will be saved.

As Christians we can sometimes fall into the trap of wanting everyone to like or love us. However, Jesus reminds us today that we will also be hated if we live according to His Word. Some people might not like that we put life before choice, social justice before personal profit, and faith before our doubts. Our faith sometimes requires us to be stoned for standing up for what we believe in and like St. Stephen we should be willing to sacrifice everything for the Gospel truths.

Do we place being liked or loved before being honest and truthful in our dealings with others? What are some of the ways we have been stoned or hurt because we stood our ground on a matter of faith? Are we willing to be hated and endure to the end even without the consolation of being liked or loved?

O Lord, grant us the courage to be a martyr for love of you, whether it be physical, intellectual, or spiritual.

Amen.

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