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.
Scripture: 1 Timothy 4:12-16 Luke 7:36-50 Reflection: In our first reading today, taken from the Letter to Timothy, Paul offers Timothy, encouragement, support and advice. Timothy is a young man, » Continue Reading.
Memorial of the Sorrowful Mother Scripture: Hebrews 5:7-9 Stabat Mater John 19:25-27 Reflection: "At the cross her station keeping, stood the mournful mother weeping, close the Jesus at the last. » Continue Reading.
Scripture: Isaiah 50:5-9a James 2:14-18 Mark 8:27-35 Reflection: The mystery of each human life both fascinates, and at times, frustrates us. Since we can never know another person fully (’til » Continue Reading.
Scripture: 1 Timothy 1:1-2, 12-14 Luke 6:39-42 Reflection: Jesus delivered the Sermon on the Plain to his disciples. But many who opposed him were also present — scribes and Pharisees, » Continue Reading.
Scripture: Micah 5:1-4a or Romans 8:28-30 Matthew 1:1-16, 18-23 or 1:18-23 Reflection: "Those whom God predestined God also called." (Ro. 8:30) I was professed as a Passionist in Pittsburgh on » Continue Reading.
Scripture: Colossians 1:24-2:3 Luke 6:6-11 Reflection: In my flesh I fill up what is lacking in the sufferings of Christ for the sake of his body, the Church. Col: 1:24. » Continue Reading.
Scripture: Colossians 1:21-23 Luke 6:1-5 Reflection: For a young person growing up, there are lots of rules to learn. There are family rules, society rules, cultural rules, religious rules, house rules, school rules, » Continue Reading.
Feast of St. Gregory the Great Scripture: Colossians 1:9-14 Luke 5:1-11 Reflection: "He opened his treasures and made him rich in all goodness. " That is the antiphon at the » Continue Reading.
Scripture: Colossians 1:1-8 Luke 4:38-44 Reflection: Today’s readings are familiar ones – the story of Israel’ complaint over having to eat manna, provided by God in the desert, instead of » Continue Reading.
Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 5: 1-6, 9-11 Psalm 27: 1-4, 13-14 Luke 4: 31-27. Reflection: Take a moment to get in touch with what is going on in your life now…what » Continue Reading.