Wednesday 26th December, 2012
Acts 6:8-10; 7:54-59. Into your hands, O Lord, I entrust my spirit—Ps 30(31):3-4, 6, 8, 16-17. Matthew 10:17‑22.

  
Meditation: mp3 | podcast
Readings: Text | mp3 | podcast

They could not withstand the wisdom and the spirit with which Stephen spoke.

The gospel today is far from comfortable. We realise that earthly kingdoms, so very different from the kingdom of God, will struggle with the radical message of God’s love. God’s message of intimate partnership in adversity is clear—God will speak through us. We remember the voices that have spoken for justice and freedom with a clarity and depth that comes from beyond them. Nelson Mandela, after 27 years in prison, emerged as a leader, a person who spoke and led from a place of compassion and love. I imagine he was quite like Stephen!

How do we stand against injustice, when it comes at a cost to us? When it may curtail our own freedom? Let us pray for courage to do this, and gratefulness for those who have across time.