When we make Christmas not merry

The Lord Is My Chef Daily Recipe for the Soul by Fr. Nicanor F. Lalog II
Tuesday, Feast of St. Stephen, First Martyr of the Church, 26 December 2023
Acts 6:8-10, 7:54-59 <*{{{{>< + ><}}}}*> Matthew 10:17-22

Every year, dear Jesus,
you remind us a day after your birthday
to always remember the Cross looming behind
your manger in Bethlehem with the feast of
our first martyr, St. Stephen;
you remind us how in your coming
life will be more challenging
for us as your disciples.

“You will be hated by all because of my name, but whoever endures to the end will be saved.”

Matthew 10:22

Every year also, dear Jesus,
on this day we remember and reflect on
the many times life has been so difficult
for us, especially in witnessing your
Gospel in words and in deeds;
but so often, we forget how we ourselves
your disciples cause so much pains
and sufferings among other disciples
when we ourselves are the ones who
"hand over" or betray out loved ones
with our infidelities, jealousies, and greed;
so often we forget how we your disciples
"hand over" or betray our own family 
members to so much agony when 
couples are unfaithful to each other,
when parents disregard thier children
for their various pursuits in the guise of loving them,
when children quarrel with each other,
when children disobey their parents,
and so many other sins that make
our loved ones not be merry at all
especially this Christmas.

For all our sins,
of running away from your Cross,
dear Jesus,
in making others Christmas not merry,
forgive us and have mercy.
Amen.