Saint Stephen, The First Martyr (Feast)
It will not be you who speak but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you. (Matthew 10:20)
It’s the day after Christmas. We are still basking in the glow of the star of Bethlehem, the glorious angelic chorus, and the soft lowing of the animals in the stable. Then along comes Stephen to shake us up. Why does the Church put a martyr’s feast before us on the very day after Christ’s birth?
Perhaps a better question might be why Jesus took on human flesh in the first place. We know that he came to bring new life, to restore creation to his Father, to dispel sin, and to fill us with his Spirit. And Stephen is the perfect embodiment of this new life. He shows us what a living witness to Christ looks like. He shows us what a vessel of the Holy Spirit can accomplish.
As a deacon, Stephen tirelessly served the Church. Speaking with the leaders in the synagogue, he offered words of wisdom and inspiration. When faced with the threat of death, he found strength and inspiration in the Spirit. And in his martyrdom, he saw heaven itself, complete with Jesus enthroned in glory. All this happened because Stephen had learned to rely on the Spirit.
Yes, Stephen was a great hero. He stands as a symbol of courage, conviction, and Christian joy in the face of great danger. But don’t forget that you have access to the very same Spirit who formed and strengthened Stephen. You, too, can become a hero like him. You may not be called to martyrdom. You may not face overt persecution. But you will have countless opportunities to shine the light of Christ into the darkness of sin, confusion, fear, and hatred.
The Church needs you. Nothing can turn the tide raging against the gospel more powerfully than the joy-filled, confident witness of people who are filled with the Spirit. So take Stephen as your model. Let yesterday’s celebration fuel your determination to build up Jesus’ Church and proclaim his good news today.
“Jesus, you are more than a baby in a manger. You are the One who brings the life of heaven to earth! Fill me with your Spirit so that I can be your wi12-26-17tness.”
Acts 6:8-10; 7:54-59
Psalm 31:3-4, 6, 8, 16-17
Daily Marriage Tip for December 26, 2017:
Don’t put away your Christmas decorations yet! Remember that Christmas isn’t just a day, but a whole season. So keep singing those Christmas carols and rejoicing in the birth of Our Lord.