Choosing the Difficult Path

Author: Chrisma C. Bangaoil
Embrace sacrifice and holiness, trusting in God's promise of salvation. 
Reflection Date: December 26, 2024 Feast of Saint Stephen, the first martyr
Daily Readings: Acts 6:8-10, 7:54-59; Matthew 10:17-22

When the way of the world is pleasure—pleasing the senses more than the soul—we see sacrifice as something ancient. Convenience becomes the symbol of the good life. But is it?

Today’s feast reminds us that being a true disciple of Christ is never easy. The readings also reflect this. Yet, we are reminded of God’s assurance that whoever endures to the end will be saved.

We are confronted with two choices: the easy path of the world, which leads to disgrace and damnation, or the difficult road of sacrifice towards holiness.

May we have the wisdom to choose the challenging path to holiness and hold on to the assurance of salvation.

A Call to Action for Catholic Living: Choose the challenging path to holiness over the easy way of the world, for true salvation lies in sacrifice and endurance.