***
I find it fascinating that yesterday we celebrated the birth of Christ – and today we’re celebrating the death of Stephen, the first Christian martyr.
Why is that?
***
Stephen’s death is recorded in the Acts of the Apostles, which describes the life of the early Church.
From the beginning, we see the faith of the Church is strong, but they still have their share of struggle.
Like us, these first Christians had to persevere.
***
Most of us won’t find ourselves in Stephen’s position, being stoned to death because of our preaching.
But we still must deal with our share of struggle.
Maybe the holidays left us a little bruised – we gained a grudge or lost our temper.
Maybe Christmas brought an unexpected bout of loneliness. Maybe we were pressured to ignore our faith in some way.
Stephen reminds us that no matter how strong our faith is, at times it will be tested.
It’s not a matter of if, but when.
***
We, too, can cling to Christ and persevere. Doing so will lead to eternal life.
Saint Stephen, pray for us.