"They threw Stephen out of the city, and began to stone him... As they were stoning Stephen, he called out 'Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.'” Acts 7:59
It is always a shock to read about the stoning of St Stephen and few speak more eloquently about this most challenging gospel demand than the 20th century Lutheran pastor, Dietrich Bonhoeffer, who was executed by the Nazis because he could not keep silent in the face of Hilter's atrocities, especially against the Jews. "Cheap grace is the preaching of forgiveness without requiring repentance, baptism without church discipline, communion without confession. Cheap grace is grace without discipleship, grace without the cross, grace without Jesus Christ." Bonhoeffer was hanged for cooperating with a German Resistance movement that believed the gospel demanded Hitler's removal from power, even if it meant assassination.
Discipleship must be our first goal as Christians. Being a "good Catholic" does not simply mean obeying the dictates of the church hierarchy alone, no matter how laudable its teaching. Rather, discipleship demands that we seek justice for all despite the cost.
Today, filled with Christmas hope, ask for the grace to die for sake of God's reign.
Does living your faith cost you anything on a daily basis?
Discipleship must be our first goal as Christians. Being a "good Catholic" does not simply mean obeying the dictates of the church hierarchy alone, no matter how laudable its teaching. Rather, discipleship demands that we seek justice for all despite the cost.
Today, filled with Christmas hope, ask for the grace to die for sake of God's reign.
Does living your faith cost you anything on a daily basis?
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