Daily Gospel Reflection for December 26, 2024

Join us as we reflect, ponder, and pray together inspired by today's Gospel.

“Pray for the grace to be a martyr,” encouraged Sister Lucida. Those words were etched into my soul in sixth grade, along with the words, “There is no greater grace than to die for your faith.” Dying for one’s faith is impossible without grace. Just ask St. Stephen, the first deacon.

Deacons were ordained by the Apostles to serve the Body of Christ. The Apostles selected “seven reputable men, filled with the Spirit and wisdom.” (Acts 6:3) This freed up the disciples to study the Word of God and preach.

Stephen was among those chosen. He said yes, not just with words, but with His whole heart. Stephen laid down His life for the Church. Before he died, God gave Stephen a great grace: "But he, filled with the holy Spirit, looked up intently to heaven and saw the glory of God and Jesus standing at the right hand of God, and he said, 'Behold, I see the heavens opened and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.'" (Acts 7:55-56) Stephen forgave His oppressors before he was stoned to death and became the first Christian martyr.

This Gospel rings true in the life of deacons still today. The willingness to surrender their lives to serve the Church comes at a cost. Some deacons are called to both the marital and clerical states in life, and both are full-time vocations.

No one said that following the Lord would be easy. In fact, life can be an opportunity to choose daily martyrdom, in which we die to ourselves a little bit each day. Many may question a person's sanity for choosing such a sacrificial path, just like they did Jesus. However, freely laying down your life by serving the Church as a deacon comes with great graces. The graces outweigh the cost. I know, I am a deacon’s wife!

Ponder:

Peter thought he would be willing to die for Christ, but then he denied Him three times. What is God asking you to do, to give up, or to add to your life that you have failed to do?

Pray:

Dear Jesus, help me be willing to be a daily martyr, laying down my will that Your will may be done. Help me get rid of sin in my life and let more of You in.

Daily Gospel 2