"They threw Stephen out of the city, and began to stone him.” Acts 7:59
Early on after both Christmas and Easter we must face Stephen's death. There is, as Dietrich Bonhoeffer reminded us, no cheap grace which "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, even in the days after Easter, 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, even in the days after Easter, 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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