Christmas is the feast of Joy and Happiness and also the event of Persecution

Gospel Thoughts

*Christmas Season :   26th December*

*Martyrdom of St Steephan*

*GOSPEL - Mt 10:17-22*

*First Reading - Acts 6:8-10; 7:54-59*

*Christmas is the feast of Joy and Happiness and also the event of Persecution*

*1) Christmas also Starts with persecution*

First of all we celebrate the joy and happiness with the birth of Jesus. At the same on the other side the persecution also starts

There is a group of people who were upset with the birth of Jesus. Herod and entire his household became very upset with the birth of Jesus 

The outcome of this the persecution and the killing of the infants 

So with the birth of Jesus there also starts the persecution

*2) Immediately after Christmas, Stephan is persecuted and martyred*

Immediately within 24 hours of the birth of Jesus we have the event of the persecution of Stephan and his martyrdom. 

On the day of Christmas we celebrate the birth and happiness of Jesus 

On the following day the martyrdom. This persecution and the martyrdom for the sake of Jesus and for the name of Jesus 

So once again the persecution is meditated immediately after the birth of Jesus 

*3) Holy innocents, Martyrs - 28th December*

On the 28th, it means after two days of the birth of Jesus we have the martyrdom of the Holy innocent children.

This also comes during the Christmas season. Once again we are reflecting the most violent persecution and the martyrdom, because this time it is the defenseless infants who were martyred for the sake of Christ.

*4) Jesus and Cross can't be separated*

It is very clear that Jesus and Cross can not be separated

Wherever there is Jesus there is Cross and wherever there is Cross there is Jesus 

Cross, is the part of Jesus mission. So also persecution is also the part of His mission. 

There is close connection between Jesus and persecution. 

*5) Why Christmas Joy comes along with persecution?*

There is a specific reason why we have to reflect the persecution during the Christmas season 

This is because, there is no way, through which one can avoid persecution for the sake of Jesus 

Even when we celebrate the most Happiest and joyous event of the Birth of Jesus, we need to keep it in mind the most important aspect of the persecution. 

That's why the theme of persecution comes even in the season of Christmas

*6) Today also the same logic follows*

Persecution, which started during the time of the birth of Jesus, still continues for the sake of Jesus and for the name of Jesus

So the fact is very clear that one can't escape from the persecution at any cost. 

So persecutions are the part of life and even today many are persecuted for the sake of Jesus and for the name of Jesus 

*7) What is my opinion about persecution for the sake of Jesus*

Am I convinced about this fact? 

Am I ready to undergo or face persecution for the sake of Jesus? 

What is my understanding about undergoing persecution for the sake of Jesus? 

Think about it

*God bless you and your family. Praying for you and your dear ones*

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*