Feast of Stephen, First Martyr December 26, 2003 Scripture: Acts 6:8-10, 7:54-59; Matthew 10:17-22 Reflection: "Do not worry about what you are to say or how you are to say it. When the time comes, you will be given what you are to say. You yourselves will not be the speaker. The Spirit will be speaking in you." - Matthew 10:19-20 The feast of St. Stephen, the first martyr, comes right on the heels of the feast of Christ's birth. At first glance these two feasts seem so different, but looking closer we see that both are celebrations of love. Stephen was able to endure his brutal death only because of the great love he had for Jesus and the power given him by the Spirit. When Stephen opened his mouth to speak, the words that flowed forth were words inspired by the Spirit. Was he not chosen precisely because he was "a man filled with faith and the Holy Spirit"? We all face situations in our daily lives when we are called to speak out. It may be a time when words of consolation or encouragement are needed, or a time when confrontation is required. Whatever the situation, we must trust the Spirit to direct our thoughts and words to respond in truth and love. Suggested Action: Let us pray to be open to the action of the Holy Spirit in us today. Let us use our voices to respond to the cause of justice in an issue facing us at this time. Sr. Mary Martha Gardiner, IHM Scranton, Pennsylvania

Graphic: Sr. Fran Fasolka, IHM