GOSPEL THOUGHTS
*Christmas Season : 26th December*
*St Stephan : First Martyr of the Church*
*Gospel : Mt 10:17-22*
*First Reading : Acts 6:8-10; 7:54-59*
*We are Called upon to bear witness before others*
*1) Challenges as an opportunity to bear witness to Christ*
The Gospel of the day speaks about the various persecutions, which one has to face, because he/She is a follower of Christ, and for the sake of Jesus' name
These persecutions and challenges are to be received as an opportunity to bear witness to Christ and to show the values of Christ
Christ and His values can be communicated only by facing challenges and enduring the persecutions for the sake of Jesus' name
*2) St Stephen - the First Martyr*
The life of St Stephen is a best example to show, how one can bear witness to Christ
He was a genuine follower of Christ, which led him to face the martyrdom, by scarifying his life
The bold witness by St Stephen shows that it is God who gives the strength to endure such a situation and to show the values of Christ to the rest of the World
*3) Various ways through one can bear witness to Christ*
*Service* is the best way to bear witness to Christ
*Forgiveness* is another powerful weapon
*Humility* is the another face of Jesus
Enduring all the suffering for the sake of Jesus and His name
Simplicity of life, sincerity, being truthful to oneself and others, upholding the justice, compassionate heart, concern towards poor, are some of the powerful ways through which one can bear witness to Christ
*4) Need to put on Christ*
We are in the season of Christmas.
Jesus has born into this world and we believe that the same Jesus has born in our hearts and families
So we need to put on Christ in our life, which will help us to bear witness to Christ
*5) Am I ready to bear witness to Christ*
If Yes, I need to face all the challenges and persecutions
*Think about it*
*God bless you and your family. Praying for you and your dear ones*
*Fr Maxim DSouza*
*Jeppu Seminary*
*Mangalore*
No comments:
Post a Comment