DAILY MEDITATIONS # 30, Monday 26.12.11

DAILY MEDITATIONS  # 30, Monday 26.12.11

Feast of St. Stephen, first Martyr

Acts 6:8-10,7:54-59

As they were stoning Stephen, he called out
"Lord Jesus, receive my spirit." 

Mathew 10;17-22

You will be hated by all because of my name,
but whoever endures to the end will be saved. 

Yesterday the church celebrated the joyous occasion of the birth of Jesus Christ and today the church celebrates with joy the death of its first martyr St.Stephen.

Being a christian means remaining faithful to Christ till the end after renouncing self and all forms of pride.Every christian may not be called upon to lay down his life or face persecution for Christ but is very much required to die to self and rise to a new life in Christ. 

Today's readings is a hint about Christ's own death on the cross and his glorious Resurrection which events will be commemorated in a few months from today during Good Friday and Easter Sunday.

A christian always has in view his new life in God's kingdom beyond this present life.One who has this mindset is a practical christian and is pleasing to God.

God Bless.