Saint Stephen, the first Martyr

Remedies to violence

Matthew 10:17-22

A day after Christmas and we are exposed to violence: the death of Stephen and the warning of Jesus.  It shows us that this is the world Jesus entered and saved from sin.  It would entail also the offering of his life.  This is our Christmas as well.

In the face of violence and in front of non-God-fearing people, the best remedies are trust in the Lord, commitment to serve him, and perseverance in faith.

Trust in the Lord because when the time comes, it is the Lord who will speak through us.

Be committed to serve him despite all odds, so that when we face our accusers, we can face them with clear consciences.

Last but not the least, persevere in faith; in time, we will reap the fruits of this perseverance: the conversion of our brothers and sisters.

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