Daily Scripture, December 26, 2024
Feast of Saint Stephen
Scripture:
Acts 6:8-10; 7:54-59
Matthew 10:17-22
Reflection:
Today is the day after. All the build-up. The anticipation. The nervousness but also the wonder.
I am not referring to yesterday’s Christmas celebration. I am referring to the Birth of Jesus.
As Mary, Joseph, a few tired shepherds—and maybe the innkeeper checking in on things—recover from the events surrounding the birth of this child, like every other set of new parents, they are likely asking, “What now?”
That’s maybe the question we should take time today to ponder. “What now?” What do we do with this annual celebration of the Son of God entering into our world, into our hearts? What difference does it make really? How do we live our lives differently because of this birth?
Rather than be a day of wrapping up Christmas (pun intended), pulling down the tree, shutting off the seemingly incessant Christmas songs (since Thanksgiving!), and returning gifts we really did not want or need, it might be a good time to sit and ponder, “What now?” It is not a question with a definitive answer. Mary and Joseph certainly could not see the future, nor can we. But this question is not a “let’s wait and see” question, either. It is a question that begs us to be attentive, to listen, to anticipate how the Spirit is going to lead us. We get a glimmer of this attentiveness in the gospel stories of Joseph having mysterious dreams and of warnings from visiting wise men.
“What now?” is a question that opens us to the possibilities perhaps yet known. Maybe all those plans we lay out for ourselves may have to be adjusted by listening to the Spirit. Maybe you who are parents have had to forego hopes and expectations only to be amazed at the graciousness of God in the life of your children. The saying that is often attributed to St. Theresa of Avila may be appropriate on this “day after:” “God writes straight with crooked lines.” Mary and Joseph had to trust. So should we.
So, a new year awaits us, probably with some grace-filled surprises.
Robert Hotz is a consultant with American City Bureau, Inc. and was the Director of The Passion of Christ: The Love That Compels Campaign for Holy Cross Province.
Holy Saturday Scripture: Ezekiel 36:16-17a, 18-28 Romans 6:3-11 Luke 24:1-12 Reflection: What about today, the Sabbath, the day between that evening, (Jn 19:41), and that morning when Mary » Continue Reading.
Good Friday of the Lord’s Passion Scripture: Isaiah 52:13-53:12 Hebrews 4:14-16; 5:7-9 John 18:1-19:42 Reflection: As I was preparing to share my reflections with you on this Good » Continue Reading.
Scripture: Exodus 12: 1-8, 11-14 1 Corinthians 11: 23-16 John 13:1-5 Reflection: Tonight is a day of "re-membering". The community gathers to remember and celebrate the stories. » Continue Reading.
Scripture: Isaiah 49:1-6 John 13:21-33, 36-38 Reflection: Moses Mendelssohn, the great-grandfather of the famous German composer, was far from being a handsome man. In fact, he was inflicted with a grotesque humpback. » Continue Reading.
Palm Sunday of the Lord’s Passion Scripture: Isaiah 50:4-7 Philippians 2:6-11 Luke 22:14-23:56 Reflection: Today we begin the most important week of our Church year. Today’s Gospel seems to be » Continue Reading.
Monday of Holy Week Scripture: Isaiah 42:1-7 John 12:1-11 Reflection: "There are many people who can do big things, but there are very few people who will do the small » Continue Reading.
Scripture: Ezekiel 37:21-28 Luke 11:45-56 Reflection: Today’s Gospel reading follows the raising of Lazarus at the house of Mary and Martha. That’s especially important to note because of the unspeakable » Continue Reading.
The Annunciation of the Lord Scripture: Isaiah 7:10-14; 8:10 Hebrews 10:4-10 Luke 1:26-38 Reflection: St. Irenaeus, a second century bishop, records the importance of this feast. There is » Continue Reading.
Scripture: Daniel 3:14-20, 91-92, 95 John 8:31-42 Reflection: In today’s Gospel Jesus speaks about his deep concern about truth. "If you remain in my word, you will truly be my » Continue Reading.
Scripture: Numbers 21:4-9 John 8:21-30 Reflection: In our Gospel reading for today, Jesus is trying to convince the people that He is the Messiah, the Son sent from the Father » Continue Reading.