Feast of Saint Stephen, first martyr
In the midst of joyful celebrations of the incarnate Christ at Christmas, the Church provides a sobering contrast with today’s feast. As if we have forgotten Newport and fragile nature of life, we are given a stark reminder that life is not always hymns and glitter. In fact the martyrdom of St. Stephen reminds us that allowing Christ into our lives completely, can mean we may have to give our very lives for the gospel’s sake.
St. Stephen is sometimes called the first martyr. The martyr here means first one to give up their life as a result for preaching the truth of Jesus. Martyr comes from the Greek word that means witness. Stephen witnessed not only with wonders and signs but with his very life. Stephen, a young deacon, followed Jesus’ example completely. His discipleship modeled Christ not only in accepting his fate but in his profound ability to forgive.
Holidays can be a difficult time even for the best of us. Family or work tensions might seem overwhelming. The need to forgive ourselves or others came seem unbearable. Grieving the loss of a loved one can seem especially agonizing. Imagine the shock, sadness and fear that the early Church community must have felt at Stephen’s death. Christianity could have stopped at that moment. They could have thrown in the towel for fear that they might be next. How have you dealt with the times fear has seemed paralyzing?
Today’s gospel and season remind us that we are not alone. God was not willing to leave us flailing in our suffering. God became a defenseless baby, not in some palace, but in a stable. Though vulnerable, Jesus had loving parents, who did their best raise him. Our parents have done the same for us. So too, our eternal Father has showered his grace upon us and walked with us even when we were unaware.
"Lord, as the light of Your Son burns bright in our world during this Christmas season; help us always to stay humble yet firm in our faith and remain generous with our ability to forgive. In this way, we will join St. Stephen to be with God throughout eternity. Amen.
-Michael Montgomery