A Friend Who Needs Me
Tuesday, December 26, 2023
by Fr. David M. Knight

View readings for Tuesday, the Day After Christmas (Feast of St Stephen, the First Martyr): https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings
Lectionary no. 696 (Acts 6:8-10. 7:54-59; Psalm 31; Matthew 10:17-22)
"You will be hated by all because of my name, but whoever endures to the end will be saved." Matthew 10:22
Would I want a friend who makes me unacceptable to other people?
Put it another way: if my friend were rejected by everyone because of false accusations, would I jump at every chance to stand up for him? Would I make a point of drawing closer instead of distancing myself?
Do I do that for Jesus? Does he need anything from me?
Yes. Loyalty—just refusing to turn away when being his friend isn’t popular. Is it a new perspective to know Jesus asks me for that?
When people ignore God—act as if he didn’t exist, speak as if he weren’t present—do I pretend not to notice? Am I afraid to open my mouth? To show what I know?
Will I even speak to Jesus when others are present?
Jesus promises that if I will stand by him, all Three Persons of the Holy Trinity will be standing up with me! Father, Son, and Spirit.
When they hand you over, do not worry… It will not be you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.
How can I be a friend to Jesus Christ?
Interact with him. In private and in public. Friendship is interaction. When interaction with him isn’t popular, interact more.
ACTION: Where religion is looked down on, keep expressing your relationship with Jesus.
PRAYER: “Lord, don’t let me ever turn away.”
Reflections brought to you by the Immersed in Christ Ministry

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