Reflection for December 26, Saturday Saint Stephen, first martyr (Feast): Matthew 10:17-22

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:

Do you feel persecuted for following Jesus? For example you are sometimes a recipient of criticism because you choose to be faithful to the Lord. You are not alone; as you read this many are being persecuted for their faithful disciples to the Lord. 

Contrary to those who promise a life of ease and affluence the moment we follow Jesus. Jesus did not promise us a life of comfort and ease; but He promised His constant presence within us amidst the difficulties and persecutions. 

 So let us continue to become Jesus eyes, ears and hands in this world. Let us radiate Jesus’ light and love no matter how difficult it may seem; let us not be afraid Jesus is always with us for as long as we are faithful to Him. 

Jesus also promised us something that we can hold on if we would be faithful until the very end of our lives. The Lord tells us “Whoever endures to the end will be saved (Matthew 10:22).” We therefore have to endure whatever may come to us be it trials, persecutions and problems. We endure because we look ahead to a life beyond this world which only God can give us. – Marino J. Dasmarinas