Persecution

Red  vestments, not Christmas red, but the blood red of martyrdom, remind us that the coming of Jesus, whose birth we joyfully celebrated yesterday, was for the purpose of redeeming a fallen human race through pain and suffering...the death of this child on the cross.  It's a shocking contrast to the song of the angels, the wonder of the shepherds and adoration of the Magi, but it was for our salvation that God gave us his only begotten Son. (cf. Jn 3:1 6).  St. Stephen's feast and the rampant murder of the Holy Innocents began a trend which continues today.  The beheadings of Christians by IS and even the more subtle persecutions in the United States continue this tradition of persecution, suffering and death for the sake of the name of Jesus.  It's part of the package:  Unless you take up your cross and follow me, you cannot be my disciple. (Mt. 16:24-25).
While family celebrations might be continuing today and through the weekend, we might pray as St. Stephen did, for forgiveness for those who persecute, and mercy for those who are being persecuted or who have been martyred, and commend their souls to God.  We might offer up our holiday fatigue, our aches and pains for the same intention.  We might also accept the challenge to fear not to live our faith visibly and strongly within our families and workplaces, fortified by the example and prayers of St. Stephen.
Bro. Rene