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: Acts 11:19-26 John 10:22-30 Reflection: Perhaps it is commonplace to want things in black and white. When things are in black-and-white we don’t need to deal with certain ambiguities. » Continue Reading.
Scripture: Acts 4:8-12 1 John 3:1-2 John 10:11-18 Reflection: The Word Please, contemplate, carefully, the first line of St. John’s letter today: "See what love the Father has given us." » Continue Reading.
Feast of St. Joseph the Worker Scripture: Acts 9:1-20 John 6:52-59 Reflection: "Is he not the carpenter’s son? Where did Jesus get all this?" Today’s feast was established by Pope Pius » Continue Reading.
Scripture: Acts 8:26-40 John 6:44-51 Reflection: When we are about to receive Holy Communion the priest or Eucharistic Minister holds up the host and says, "The Body of Christ," and » Continue Reading.
Scripture: Acts 9:31-42 John 6:60-69 Reflection: Today’s readings continue the "work" of the Easter Season – that of deepening our faith in the Risen One, Jesus. In the Gospel Reading, » Continue Reading.
Scripture: Acts 7:51-8:1a John 6:30-35 Reflection: In today’s Gospel, Jesus is asked: "What sign can you do, that we may see and believe in you? What can you do?’ The » Continue Reading.
Scripture: Acts 6:8-15 John 6:22-29 Reflection: "Truly, truly, I say to you, you seek me, not because you saw signs, but because you ate your fill of the loaves." John » Continue Reading.
Scripture: Acts 8:1b-8 John 6:35-40 Reflection: On the wall of every chapel of the Missionaries of Charities throughout the world is a Crucifix. Next to that Crucifix there are painted » Continue Reading.
Scripture: Acts 3:13-15 1 John 2:1-5a Luke24:35-48 Reflection: Today’s reading from the Gospel According to Luke recounts the appearance of Jesus to the disciples in the Upper Room in Jerusalem. » Continue Reading.
Scripture: Acts 5:27-33 John 3:31-36 Reflection: In our Gospel reading from John, Jesus testifies about Himself: "The one who comes from above is above all…He testifies to what he has » Continue Reading.