As some box away Christmas for another year, our celebrations continue. The martyrdom of Stephen reminds us of the demands of discipleship and the lingering presence of God in our lives, who never goes away. Here’s today’s reflection from the daily Mass
Already fed up of Christmas, some people will spend Boxing Day taking down their Christmas decorations. For them, Christmas is over. For us, it’s just beginning.
And so the lights and tree and carols remain. They will outlast what’s left of the vegetables. They will be here long after the last Turkey curry has been eaten. We stubbornly cling to Christmas—each day of the Christmas Octave extending Christmas Day into one long day.
The unfolding of God’s revelation continues until the magi arrive from their long journey and glimpse the glory of God and Jesus is revealed to the nations. The revelations is symbolic of course, and continues throughout Jesus’ life, as people grapple with the mystery of who he is.
In the good news of Jesus revealed in the four gospel writers, only two have any account of Jesus’ nativity. Mark plunges straight into the Baptist’s call, as does John who then gives us a poetic prologue, philosophical and literary, of the mystery of the Word made flesh.
We cannot box the Incarnation away for another year. The hope for a baby and child is that they will grow up healthy and well, reach adulthood, follow dreams, make a difference in the world, and live a long life.
We cannot box the Incarnation away for another year.
It’s on the cross, that Jesus says his work is accomplished. If we had stopped believing in Jesus when we left the crib, then what good would that have done?
On the back of Christmas Day, we have the drama of Stephen’s martyrdom, the first person killed because of their faith in Christ, a faith he won’t let go. Stephen is stubborn. He holds onto what he knows will save.
After a visit to the crib, it’s a quick and harsh reminder of the realities of living and the demands of discipleship. But even here, in this brutal scene as people pick up stones in anger, there are glimpses of light and glory. Stephen is given a vision of heaven opened up, and Jesus at God’s right hand.
Christmas is stubborn. It never goes away. Because God continues to be present in the world today, in our lives and the life of the church. We are his body, his presence in the world. His presence lingers. God is stubborn but not forceful. After all, in the Incarnation, he is at first a needy baby, small and fragile, in need of care and attention.
Christmas is stubborn. It never goes away. Because God continues to be present in the world today, in our lives and the life of the church.
For us, the baby bit is easy. We can even reduce it to cuteness if we’re not careful. Stephen’s situation is by no means cute. And yet, he remains faithful, stubborn, refusing to box his faith away, not even for a moment.
So, let’s stick with Christmas for a little while longer. After the busyness of the pre-Christmas rush, these days are a gift to quietly contemplate the mystery of the Word made flesh, and how God lingers patiently in our lives.
Today’s Mass
Mass today is at 12 noon at St Mary’s Church, followed by drinks and nibbles
You can check out the readings for the Mass today here (Universalis Website)
South Cardiff Ministry Area 