Extract
Jesus forewarned his disciples saying, “Whenever they hand you over for trial, do not worry about how to speak or what to say, for what you should say will be given to you at that time. For it is not you speaking, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you”. (Matthew 10:19-20)
Thought
St Stephen, a Deacon, was the first of Jesus’ disciples to be martyred. The Spirit of the Lord spoke through Him in his preaching and at his trial. Stephen stood firm to God’s Word.
Today, I could ask myself, do I have the same strength of commitment as St Stephen? The answer, an undoubted yes; with God’s help, nothing’s impossible.
Reflection
Lord Jesus, bestow on me the gifts of happiness and joy, knowing that only you have the Word of eternal life.
Prayer: Anima Christi
Soul of Christ, sanctify me
Body of Christ, save me
Blood of Christ, inebriate me
Water from the side of Christ, wash me
Passion of Christ, strengthen me
O Good Jesus, hear me
Within Thy wounds, Lord, hide me
Suffer me, not to be separated from Thee
From the malicious enemy defend me
In the hour of my death call me
that I may praise Thee with Thy Saints and Angels,
forever and ever. Amen.
