Daily Retreat 12/26/08

2008 Dec 26 Fri: Stephen, protomartyr F Acts 6:8-10; 7:54-59; Ps 30(31):3cd-4,6 and 8ab,16bc and 17; Mt 10:17-22 From today's readings:  "As they were stoning Stephen, he called out 'Lord Jesus, receive my spirit....' Into Your hands I commend my spirit; You will redeem me, O LORD....  you will be led before governors and kings for My sake as a witness before them and the pagans." The Crown of Martyrdom The day after Christmas is, for so many, such a chaotic day: fighting crowds at the mall to return defective merchandise, cleaning up the bedlam created by the Christmas gift exchange, writing thank you notes, etc.  The peace promised to come with the newborn Prince of Peace can seem rather short-lived! Surprisingly, the Church concurs that this day after Christ's nativity is indeed a chaotic day (even rightfully so!) that deliberately contrasts with the peace of Christmas.  For on this day, we celebrate the martyrdom of St. Stephan, the first to lay down his life in witness to the Resurrected Christ.   We might protest: wouldn't it have been more appropriate to avoid puncturing Christmas serenity with the recollection of Stephan's martyrdom on this date? Ah!  but the clash is actually intentional - the Church insists that the birth of Christ is celebrated in the context of the mission of Christ - to lay down His life for all, that we may share in His divine life!  If we faithfully welcome Christ at His birth, we must be ready, as was Stephan, to faithfully follow Him unto death, giving witness to Him with our whole lives!