Joy and sadness are very much part of each person's life. We all have our happy moments and our moments of pain and suffering. Yesterday we celebrated the joyful feast of Christ's coming into our world, and today one day later, the Church celebrates the first martyr, Stephen. Being a follower of Christ does not exclude us from the pain of our world and very often being a true follower can bring us into situations of hatred and division. Stephen found himself in such a situation because of the wisdom and the spirit with which he proclaimed the word of God. But even at the time of his persecution he was consoled and knew the presence of God with him.

The gospel today also offers us a message of encouragement. Jesus told His followers not to worry about what they are to say when they face interrogation and persecution. The Spirit will be with them and speak through them. In our world today we hear of many people who are unjustly treated and even imprisoned because of their religious beliefs. In sharing their experience afterwards many say they were not afraid.

As we reflect on this and on the readings today we realize how much they are connected to our Christmas feast - Christ came to live among us. We are consoled and encouraged on our journey of life as we know the God "Emmanuel" who walks with us is a God who understands our suffering.