Gospel: 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.”
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Reflection:
During Christmas season we savor the
many good things about life. Such as food, gifts and other beautiful things
that would satisfy us. However, there will come a time that we will be called
to live our faith to the fullest. This simply means that we’ll have to witness
for our love and faith for Jesus. This witness for Jesus may require us to pass
through hard times or it may even require us to even give our very own life.
Saint Stephen the first martyr of the
church whose martyrdom we remember today. Is one of those who witnessed for
Jesus until the very end of his life. He advanced the faith and did great
things in the name of Jesus. But he was eventually savagely killed for
witnessing for Jesus.
Until now we are still called to
witness for our faith in Jesus. We are called to use the internet so that Jesus
will become more relevant. More relevant in the hearts and minds of the modern
people of today most especially the young ones for they are the future of the
church.
Have you already witnessed for Jesus?
Have you already been persecuted for your love for Jesus? Do not be
disheartened if you have been through or currently going thru these tests of
faith for these are part and parcel of your witness and discipleship for Jesus.
Make Jesus more relevant today as what Saint Stephen did during his time. Do
not be afraid of the severe consequences that may befall us.
Because you have nothing to fear if
Jesus is with you. – Marino J. Dasmarinas
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