ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS
December 26, 2022
In Galatians 2, we read:
They asked only one thing, that we remember the poor, which was actually what I was eager to do.
Today is the Feast Day of St. Stephen who is considered the first deacon of the church and the first martyr. As a deacon, he served those who were poor, including the widow and the orphan. In many cultures, today is Boxing Day—the day people remember Stephen’s great acts of compassion. The tradition of Boxing Day is that each family boxes up some of their Christmas presents, food and other items to give to the poor. Within the United States, it is the biggest day to exchange the gifts we didn’t like or those that didn’t fit. As we go through this day, let us be mindful of those who do not have a gift to exchange. For those most vulnerable, let us allow the overflow of Christmas to spill into their lives.
O God of abundant love, create within this day the opportunity to serve as Stephen did, and then help me be one who seizes upon the opportunity. Amen.
