***
Acts 6:8-10, 7:54-59
Stephen, filled with grace and power,
was working great wonders and signs among the people.
Certain members of the so-called Synagogue of Freedmen,
Cyrenians, and Alexandrians,
and people from Cilicia and Asia,
came forward and debated with Stephen,
but they could not withstand the wisdom and the spirit with which he spoke.
When they heard this, they were infuriated,
and they ground their teeth at him.
But he, filled with the Holy Spirit,
looked up intently to heaven
and saw the glory of God and Jesus standing at the right hand of God,
and he said,
“Behold, I see the heavens opened and the Son of Man
standing at the right hand of God.”
But they cried out in a loud voice, covered their ears,
and rushed upon him together.
They threw him out of the city, and began to stone him.
The witnesses laid down their cloaks
at the feet of a young man named Saul.
As they were stoning Stephen, he called out
“Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.”
The Word of the Lord.
***
***
Yesterday, hundreds of millions of Christians huddled together in churches around the world singing, “Glory to God,” as we celebrated the birth of our Savior.
Today the Church pulls us in what feels like the opposite direction, from life to death, rejoicing to sorrow as we celebrate the Martyrdom of Saint Stephen.
Why such a sudden change in tone?
***
To remind us that faith always comes at a cost. It’s one thing praise Jesus on our lips. It’s another to praise him with our lives.
As our first reading reveals, Stephen was a deacon who took care of widows, performed miracles, and debated skillfully with the religious leaders of his day.
And just like his Lord, he died praying for his persecutors. As stones were being hurled at him in fury, Stephen saw the heavens opened, and Christ standing at the right hand of God. Then he prayed, “Lord do not hold this sin against them!’”
And he breathed his last.
Stephen reminds us of the incredible love, courage, and wisdom the human heart is capable of when touched by grace.
***
Yesterday hundreds of millions of people gathered in churches singing, “Glory to God.” Today Stephen reminds us it’s time to put that faith into action.
Pray. Preach. Heal. Forgive.
Let the work begin.
***
***
Image credits: (1) Deposit Photos (2) My Catholic Life! (3) X.com