SATURDAY (December 26, 2020)
St. Stephen, Martyr
In the name of the Father and of the + Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Gospel Sentence
“And the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus.” (Luke 1:30-31)
Reading
“O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to it! How often would I have gathered your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you were not willing! See, your house is left to you desolate. For I tell you, you will not see me again, until you say, Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.’” (Matthew 23:37-39)
Meditation
The world may hold
Her wealth and gold:
But thou, my heart, keep Christ as thy true treasure.
To Him hold fast
Until at last
A crown be thine and honor in full measure (LSB 373:6)
Silence
Prayer for Holy Cross Member
Father, we lift up Francesca before you this day, asking that You would give her your mercy all the days of her life. Through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
Prayer for the Feast of St. Stephen, Martyr
Heavenly Father, in the midst of our sufferings for the sake of Christ grant us grace to follow the example of the first martyr, Stephen, that we also may look to the One who suffered and was crucified on our behalf and pray for those who do us wrong; through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
Lord’s Prayer