The Holy Spirit of your Father will speak through you

"When they hand you over, do not worry about how you are to speak or what you are to say. You will be given at that moment what you are to say.
For it will not be you who speak but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you."  (Matthew 10: 19 - 20)

December 26 is the feast of St. Stephen, the first Christian martyr.  Stephen's life and death shows the faithfulness of Jesus to His promise in Matthew 10: 19 - 20.  What encouragement this is to all Christian disciples.  Stephen's life and death also proves another truth from St. Augustine:
"If you pray well, you live well.  If you live well, you die well.  If you die well, all is well."
Stephen was filled with faith, fortitude and the Holy Spirit.

Lord Jesus, on this day we remember the life of your servant, Stephen, grant us who honor his memory deep faith, courage and fill us with your precious Holy Spirit.  Amen.