The Price of Faith

The feast days following Christmas are significant to those desiring a deeper relatioship with the Lord. First we celebrate St. Stephen, the first martyr of the early Christian community. He is the first to die for Christ and sees a vision of the Savior as he is being persecuted (Acts 6 & 7).

On the 27th we celebrate the feast of St. John--willing to die for his faith but lived to a natural death. Known as the 'One whom Jesus loved' (John 19:26-27), John the Evangelist gave his entire life to Christ.

December 28th celebrates the feast of the Holy Innocents--this children slaughtered by Herod in his attempt to eradicate the child Savior. These children died because the infant King among them may have posed a threat to Herod's power (Matthew 2:13-19).

How do these feasts challenge us today? First--we must be willing to lay down our very life for the Lord--keeping His Glory in our sights at all times, just like St. Stephen. Then we must dedicate our lives fully to doing the Will of God, regardless of the cost. While we may not physically lose our lives as did St. Stephen, we are called to give our lives over to the work God has laid out for us. Following the example of St. John, who at Christ's command from the cross, took our Blessed Mother into his care. We are called to be innocent--to be pure and not buy into the fear that rises up when we feel threatened. God's power is merciful and forgiving--unconditional love.

Let us reflect on these three feasts as we enter into the New Year--called to proclaim the Good News of the Gospel to a world so desperately seeking Truth, Love, and Hope!