Thursday 26 December

St Stephen (F)

Acts 6:8-10, 7:54-59; Psalm 30:3-4, 6, 8, 16-17; Matthew 10:17-22

Evil is real

Today, just after we have celebrated the birth of the Prince of Peace, we read that “You will be hated by all men on account of my name”. Jesus was persecuted and crucified. So, those who follow him should not be surprised if they too are rejected and oppressed. The struggle between God and the forces of evil is real, and it would be unwise not to take it seriously. But anyone who stands firm to the end will be saved. Lord, deliver us from evil.