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Monday, December 26, 2005 Meditation Acts 6:8-10; 7:54-59 How could anyone so willingly embrace the death that Stephen faced? How could anyone be so peaceful—even joyful—as he is being stoned to death? Stephen could do this only because he had walked with Jesus every other day of his life. Day in and day out, he sought to touch the throne of God in prayer. Even as he waited tables for the Jerusalem church, he sought grace and mercy from God. And it is that same grace that kept him hopeful and steadfast on his final day. Why do you think Luke tells us twice that Stephen was filled with the Holy Spirit (Acts 6:5; 7:55)? Is it possible that when he introduced Stephen, Luke was talking about the deacon’s day-to-day disposition—and then when he recounted Stephen’s martyrdom, he spoke of a special gift of the Spirit that made Stephen stand strong? What a great source of encouragement for us! When we face crisis points in our lives, God can move powerfully to remind us that he is still in control and that he has not abandoned us. At these moments, he will pour out a special “boost” from the Holy Spirit, just as he did for Stephen, so that we can hear his voice, know his comfort, and even proclaim his words. During this time after Christmas, which can be anticlimactic, we tend to consider resolutions of how we will change in the new year. Can we decide to stay close to the presence of God a little bit more next year? Can we resolve to spend time with him every day so that we will be open to his Spirit during whatever challenges or crises we may face? This may involve a decision to pray every day, but it also means inviting Jesus into our thoughts during the day. It means sharing with him the frustrations, guilt, and fears—as well as the joys and surprises—of the day. Like St. Stephen, the more we walk with Jesus in our everyday lives, the more powerfully we will experience him when we face a test. “Come, Holy Spirit, and fill me with the fire of your love. Remind me that Jesus is my first love and that anything else is secondary. Help me to hear your voice throughout the day so that I can especially hear you when things get rough.” Psalm 31:3-4,6,8,16-17; Matthew 10:17-22 |
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