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holy days and holy deaths
Stephen, “filled with the Holy Spirit, looked to the sky above and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at God’s right hand.” —Acts 7:55
On the second day of Christmas, our true Love, Jesus, gives us for our inspiration and imitation St. Stephen, the first Christian martyr. This suggests to us that the meaning of Christmas is to deepen our love for Jesus so we will both live and die for Him.
Stephen loved Jesus so much that He imitated Jesus in life and in death. Jesus was anointed “with the Holy Spirit and power. He went about doing good works and healing all who were in the grip of the devil” (Acts 10:38). Stephen was “filled with faith and the Holy Spirit” (Acts 6:5), and was working “great wonders and signs among the people” (Acts 6:8). As Jesus was crucified, He prayed: “Father, forgive them; they do not know what they are doing” (Lk 23:34). As Stephen was executed, he prayed: “Lord, do not hold this sin against them” (Acts 7:60). As He died, Jesus prayed: “Father, into Your hands I commend My Spirit” (Lk 23:46). As he died, Stephen prayed: “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit” (Acts 7:59).
This Christmas season, let us plunge into the depths of Christ’s love more deeply than ever before. Then we will be more like Jesus than ever before, that is, we will be holier. Therefore, have not only a merry Christmas but also a holy one. Have not only a silent night but also a holy night, life, and death.
Prayer: Father, may I want to be holy more than I want anything else.
Promise: “When they hand you over, you will be given what you are to say. You yourselves will not be the speakers; the Spirit of your Father will be speaking in you.” —Mt 10:19-20
Praise: “Certain members of the so-called ‘Synagogue of Roman Freedmen’...would undertake to engage Stephen in debate, but they proved no match for the wisdom and the spirit with which he spoke” (Acts 6:9-10).
Reference:
Rescript: "In accord with the Code of Canon Law, I hereby grant the Nihil Obstat for One Bread, One Body covering the period December 1, 2026, through January 31, 2027, by Presentation Ministries. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio June 3, 2026"
The Nihil Obstat ("Permission to Publish") is a declaration that a book or pamphlet is considered to be free of doctrinal or moral error. It is not implied that those who have granted the Nihil Obstat agree with the contents, opinions, or statements expressed.