Feast of St. Stephen, first martyr
Today we celebrate the feast of St. Stephen- the first martyr. At first glance this seems an odd time to celebrate this feast day, since just yesterday we were singing “Joy to the World” as we gathered around the manger of the Christ child. And yet, our church wisely reminds us that we are called to leave the stable and head out into the world to proclaim the “Good News.” Jesus tells us that our lives will not be free from pain and suffering. And yet, as we celebrate the death of St. Stephen there is still reason for joy. Jesus promises us that His Spirit will always be with us to provide all we need as we live out our discipleship.
In today’s first reading, we hear the story of St. Stephen’s powerful profession of faith as he tells people from many countries about Jesus. Stephen is so filled with the Spirit that he is able to see God’s heavenly kingdom and God’s glory while here on earth. His witness of faith infuriates those listening, so they stone him. Stephen- filled with the Holy Spirit-asks God to forgive his killers just as Jesus prays for forgiveness for those who crucified Him on the cross. St. Stephen gives us an excellent example of how to be a disciple. His openness to the Spirit in his life allows him to endure many hardships including death. Because of God’s deep and abiding presence within him, Stephen continues to believe and share the mercy of God even as he suffers and dies.
In the gospel reading, Jesus reminds his disciples of the challenges that will lay ahead for those who follow Him. Although He knows that there will be difficult times, He assures His disciples “do not worry” because the Spirit would be giving them the words to speak. Jesus anticipates the disciples’ fear about what will happen when He is no longer physically with them. Not only does Jesus promise His Spirit during difficult times, but Jesus illustrates how the disciples are to deal with suffering and even death. At the crucifixion, Jesus demonstrates His complete trust in the Father’s love as He asks for mercy and forgiveness on those who betray and kill Him.
I find it difficult to leave the beauty and serenity of the Christmas manger and head out into the world of pain, suffering, and hatred, but this is where Jesus calls us to follow Him. Juxtaposing Christmas with the celebration of the first martyr makes sense because we can see in a real way that Jesus (Emmanuel- God with us) was truly with St. Stephen as he proclaimed salvation through Christ. This should be a source of joy for all of us who follow Him, since it reminds us that in both good and bad times, Jesus is here, and with His Spirit He gives us all that we need to follow Him. Whether we are experiencing illness, death of a loved one, divorce, job issues, money concerns, or loneliness, Jesus wants us to know that He is there. He provides the comfort, the wisdom, the courage, the healing, the friendship, and the compassion that is required to carry on. We are called to be like St. Stephen, so open to the Spirit that even in the face of death we can see the Kingdom of God around us.
Part of our departure from the manger also involves participating in the Incarnation in our daily living. We are called to bring Christ to those we meet throughout our day. Jesus is with each of us in our sufferings, but many times it is through the people around us that we experience His compassion, healing, and comfort. Just as Jesus will leave the manger, the angels, and the wise man, so must we head out and bring mercy, healing, compassion and love to the world. The joy of Christmas is not just that Christ was born, but that Christ continues to live in each of us through the grace of His Spirit. With so much suffering and pain in this world we can still sing “Joy to the World”, because Christ’s compassion, love, peace, and mercy will continue to flourish when we allow His Spirit to flow through our lives.
Gracious Father, thank you for Jesus who chose to become human and live among us. Through his life, death and resurrection, He calls us to follow Him. Filled with Your Spirit, help us to bring your healing, compassion, peace, and joy to the world even in the midst of the most difficult circumstances. May our openness to You allow each of us to be Christ to all. We pray this through Christ, our LORD. Amen.
—Marylynn Herchline