Saturday, December 26, 2026 · Christmas - Christmas Season
The readings keep returning to the wonder that God comes close. Stay with what Jesus says or does here, and let it ask for one honest response.
Today’s readings
First Reading
Acts 6:8-10; 7:54-59
Stephen, full of faith and power, performed great wonders and signs among the people. But some of those who were of the synagogue called "The Libertines", and of the Cyrenians, of the Alexandrians, and of those of Cilicia and Asia arose, disputing with Stephen. They weren't able to withstand the wisdom and the Spirit by which he spoke. Now when they heard these things, they were cut to the heart, and they gnashed at him with their teeth. But he, being full of the Holy Spirit, looked up steadfastly into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God, and said, "Behold, I see the heavens opened and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God!" But they cried out with a loud voice and stopped their ears, then rushed at him with one accord. They threw him out of the city and stoned him. The witnesses placed their garments at the feet of a young man named Saul. They stoned Stephen as he called out, saying, "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit!"
Responsorial Psalm
Psalm 31:3cd-4, 6 and 8ab, 16bc and 17
For you are my rock and my fortress, therefore for your name's sake lead me and guide me. Pluck me out of the net that they have laid secretly for me, for you are my stronghold. I hate those who regard lying vanities, but I trust in the LORD. You have not shut me up into the hand of the enemy. You have set my feet in a large place. Make your face to shine on your servant. Save me in your loving kindness. Let me not be disappointed, LORD, for I have called on you. Let the wicked be disappointed. Let them be silent in Sheol.
Gospel
Matthew 10:17-22
But beware of men, for they will deliver you up to councils, and in their synagogues they will scourge you. Yes, and you will be brought before governors and kings for my sake, for a testimony to them and to the nations. But when they deliver you up, don't be anxious how or what you will say, for it will be given you in that hour what you will say. For it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father who speaks in you. "Brother will deliver up brother to death, and the father his child. Children will rise up against parents and cause them to be put to death. You will be hated by all men for my name's sake, but he who endures to the end will be saved.
A question for your journal
What would it look like to receive gentleness without rushing past it?
Scripture text: World English Bible Catholic Edition, public domain. Reading citations are prepared for Come Aside from MIT-licensed citation metadata.
Pray with the day
Keep the day with you.
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