Monday of Octave of Christmas- Saint Stephen feast “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.”

Today’s feast of the death of Saint Stephen, which comes a day after the celebration of Christmas, is a stark reminder of the cost of disciples that Jesus talked about in today’s gospel. He says, “Beware of men, for they will hand you over to courts and scourge you in their synagogues, and you will be led before governors and kings for my sake as a witness before them and the pagans. (Matthew 10:17-22).

The feast in honor of the sacrifice of Saint Stephen is never a damper on the Christmas season but rather adds to the glorious solemnity of this Christmas celebration.

To be a disciple of Christ is an awesome vocation with great implications and blessings. Christ says that we are the light of the world and the salt of the earth. Hence, the world and its darkness will try to fight us. The world may destroy our bodies, but it does not have power over our souls.

The death of the Holy Innocents is a wake-up call. They gave their love to the newborn infant in Bethlehem.

We are called to give Jesus everything, holding nothing back, even if it means persecution and death.

May we remain steadfast as we follow in the footsteps of Christ. May the birth of Christ be a source of grace and courage in our spiritual growth and journey of faith. May you and I follow the Lord readily and willingly, without reserve.

Have a wonderful Week


About the Author

My name is Fr. Peter Eke, a priest of the Diocese of Gaylord, Michigan. I was called to the Catholic priesthood in July 19th, 1997. I studied Canon Law at the Pontifical Lateran University, in Rome, Italy, with JCL Degree in 2001 and JCD (doctorate) Degree in 2003. Currently, I am the pastor of Our Lady of the Lake Parish in Prudenville, Saint James in Houghton Lake, and Saint Hubert in Higgins Lake. I am also a Judge at the Marriage Tribunal in my Diocese. In my free time, I love reading, listening to music, and taking a long walk. Since my ordination my inspiring message has been “with God the oil in the flask will not dry” (1Kings 17:14).

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6 Comments

  1. Thank you and Merry Christmas. Today’s Gospel lays down a challenge for us to always stand up for our new born King. Be blessed Padre!

  2. Thank you Father!

    I do pray for us all to love Our Lord enough to lay down our lives if need be like the brave soul of St Steven. It may look different than in St Stevens time but our world is equally often against us.

    God Bless you for sharing these reflections with us each week.

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