Friday 26 December

SAINT STEPHEN

Acts 6:8-10, 7:54-59, Psalm 31, Matt. 10:17-22

Martyrdom

From the joys of Christmas to the first martyr. Stephen probably imagined himself preaching into old age. But his work over in a short time. As Jesus had prophesied, there were those who were challenged by Jesus’ message. Their hatred impelled them to kill the messenger. Stephen was a true disciple. While being stoned he asked that his killers’ sin not be held against them. Christians on the African continent are still being martyred for their faith. We pray for them in their time of torture. Would we be so strong?