Daily Gospel Reflection
Join the Notre Dame family of faith. Receive God’s Word and a unique reflection in your inbox each day.
December 26, 2022
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.”
Growing up in the 1980s and 1990s, my parents routinely reminded me of Lou Holtz’s words of wisdom: work hard, have a good attitude, and practice in preparation for any opportunities.
As an adult, I carried this advice with me. Whether studying for exams, practicing sports, or rehearsing presentations for work, I like to be prepared to perform my best. However, life situations sometimes play out differently. Did our preparations fail? No, it is then our faith, the firm, quiet foundation we have built and continue to build, guides us to clarity.
The Apostles were commissioned with spreading the Word of God, regardless of the consequences, for the Holy Spirit would be with them. Jesus was their mentor and leader, and he was teaching them and preparing them for their missions as, ‘’sheep in the midst of wolves.’’
When reading this gospel, it is difficult to understand why and how the apostles should not be concerned about preparing their defense. However, after further reflection, it seems that Jesus was reassuring the apostles that they were already ready for the ultimate challenges because of something more potent than all the hard work and sacrifices they had made—a strong faith.
The apostles were not alone, and we are not alone either. God will provide for us, and the Holy Spirit will help us through life’s challenges as we strive for holiness.
It is crucial to continue striving to be the best we can be, but our foundation of faith takes us up to the highest level of preparation. Through our relationship with God, we are guided by the Holy Spirit, and like the apostles in this gospel, we will see all things more clearly on our path to Heaven.
As the familiar hymn says, “Be not afraid, I go before you always, come follow Me, and I shall give you rest.”
Prayer
Almighty God, the gift of your Son brings us assurance and confidence. Today, as we remember the first martyr Stephen, give us strength in every conflict and struggle. We pray for the end of all persecution and strife. May your Son’s peace rest in our hearts. We pray this in his name. Amen.
Saint of the Day
St. Stephen was the first Christian to die for his faith in Jesus.
After the death and resurrection of Jesus, the apostles went about preaching the good news. As Christian communities grew, there arose a need to care for widows and the poor in the name of the community. The apostles, being busy with preaching, asked the communities to recommend seven men to serve the poor. Stephen was one of those seven; the apostles laid hands on these people and ordained them as the first deacons.
Stephen spoke about the faith with great wisdom and eloquence, and he was successful in winning many to Christianity. Enemies of the Church were angry that he was converting others and they tried to argue with him, but it didn’t work. They then found someone to lie and charge him with blasphemy.
He was taken to face a great assembly, and he remained calm and collected and defended his faith, claiming that Jesus is the Son of God and the fulfillment of God’s promises. He even scolded his opponents for their refusal to see the truth.
Fulgentius of Ruspe, a fifth-century bishop, wrote about Stephen's martyrdom:
"Love was Stephen's weapon by which he gained every battle, and so won the crown signified by his name. His love of God kept him from yielding to the ferocious mob; his love for his neighbor made him pray for those who were stoning him. Love inspired him to reprove those who erred, to make them amend; love led him to pray for those who stoned him, to save them from punishment. [...] Love, indeed, is the source of all good things; it is an impregnable defense, and the way that leads to heaven."
At that, they all became incensed and they dragged him out of the city and stoned him to death. Stephen remained faithful to the end, crying out, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” He knelt and begged God to forgive those who were killing him. St. Paul was among the crowd who opposed Stephen and witnessed his martyrdom.
A number of Stephen’s relics rest in the reliquary chapel in the Basilica. His relics also rest in the main altar of the Basilica. Today's featured stained glass image of him stands in the chapel in the new Stayer Center for Executive Education.
St. Stephen, first Christian to die for your faith in Jesus—pray for us!