We might awake today still groggy from the food, the fun, the late hours of celebrating and exchanging gifts, only to be hit with the feast of St. Stephen, the first martyr. Whoa...what happened to "peace on earth, good will to all?" The next two weeks until the Baptism of the Lord on January 13th, the Christmas season, will continue to revolve around the mystery of the Incarnation, yet will include several memorials and feasts not directly related to the birth of Jesus, but today is not one of them. As stark as it might seem, the placement of St. Stephen's death the day after Christmas is done with a purpose. We pray in the collect of the Mass for today, " Grant, Lord, that we may imitate what we worship, and so learn to love even our enemies, for we celebrate the heavenly birthday of a man who know how to pray, even for his persecutors." Jesus came to preach a new message of forgiveness and love of enemies, which will enable us to be born in heaven as was Stephen. The cuddly child in the manger is also a demanding one, who himself saw the shadow of the cross looming above him. There is a new documentary on wrestling featuring former Central Catholic wrestler, Brandon Lavoie, entitled It Hurts To Win, totally appropriate for the life of a disciple of Christ. The next two weeks could yield spiritual nourishment and foster our growth as Christians if we take the time to reflect on the full meaning of the presence of Jesus in our lives and in our world. There's pain along with the joy; it hurts to be a follower of Jesus.
Bro. Rene
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