Monday, 26th December, St Stephen, First Martyr

Matthew 10:17–22
Jesus said, “Beware of them, for they will hand you over to councils and flog you in their synagogues; and you will be dragged before governors and kings because of me, as a testimony to them and the Gentiles. When they hand you over, do not worry about how you are to speak or what you are to say; for what you are to say will be given to you at that time; for it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you. Brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child, and children will rise against parents and have them put to death; and you will be hated by all because of my name. But the one who endures to the end will be saved.”

Reflection

• What disturbs me in my life? What are my fears?
• How I can endure the torments? I pray that may God’s birth and Emmanuel grant me the strength of love to hold this darkness.