Feast of St. Stephen, protomartyr
1ST READING
Paul seems to have played a part in the martyrdom of Stephen. This shows the extraordinary nature of his conversion to Christianity. From condemning Christians, Paul becomes one of them. This demonstrates the importance of forgiveness and reconciliation when proclaiming the Gospel. Imagine the apprehension of the Christians in welcoming Paul into their homes, given his history of siding with their persecutors. Yet, this is what they must have done.
Acts 6:8-10; 7:54-59
8 Stephen, filled with grace and power, was working great wonders and signs among the people. 9 Certain members of the so-called Synagogue of Freedmen, Cyrenians, and Alexandrians, and people from Cilicia and Asia, came forward and debated with Stephen, 10 but they could not withstand the wisdom and the spirit with which he spoke. 7:54 When they heard this, they were infuriated, and they ground their teeth at him. 55 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, 56 and he said, “Behold, I see the heavens opened and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.” 57 But they cried out in a loud voice, covered their ears, and rushed upon him together. 58 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. 59 As they were stoning Stephen, he called out, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.”
P S A L M
Psalm 31:3-4, 6, 8, 16-17
R: Into your hands, O Lord, I commend my spirit.
2 [3] Be my rock of refuge, a stronghold to give me safety. 3 [4] You are my rock and my fortress; for your name’s sake you will lead and guide me. (R) 5 [6] Into your hands I commend my spirit; you will redeem me, O Lord, O faithful God. 7 [8] I will rejoice and be glad because of your mercy. (R) 15 [16] Rescue me from the clutches of my enemies and my persecutors. 16 [17] Let your face shine upon your servant; save me in your kindness. (R)
GOSPEL
As the first martyr of the Christian faith, Stephen is an example of discipleship. The call to live and proclaim the Gospel is of the highest importance, higher even than preserving one’s life. For the first 300 years of its existence, the Church experienced persecution and so martyrdom was relatively common and seen as a second baptism this time in blood, the first having been by water.
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION
Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord: the Lord is God and has given us light.
Matthew 10:17-22
17 Jesus said to his disciples: “Beware of men, for they will hand you over to courts and scourge you in their synagogues, 18 and you will be led before governors and kings for my sake as a witness before them and the pagans. 19 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. 20 For it will not be you who speak but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you. 21 Brother will hand over brother to death, and the father his child; children will rise up against parents and have them put to death. 22 You will be hated by all because of my name, but whoever endures to the end will be saved.”
Credits to: www.kerygmafamily.com
No comments:
Post a Comment