Feast of St. Stephen, First Martyr
Just yesterday we were celebrating the birth of Christ and today the church celebrates the feast of Saint Stephen, the first Christian martyr. While we still have our hearts and minds on the birth of Jesus, we are asked to also take a look at a man, a disciple, who gave his life for this very Jesus.
Scripture scholars tell us that St. Stephen’s death for his faith was a turning point for the Christian movement. It marked the beginning of a time of persecution of the early Christians. Until that time, Christians had been imprisoned but not put to death. This probably raised some questions about whether Christianity would hold fast or fall apart now that the “stakes were higher.” And as we now know, it turns out that Stephen’s death actually strengthened the church, not weakened it. He was even held up as a model of Christianity, being willing to die for his faith.
As I reflect on this, it brings to mind a question for me, for us, today: I am willing to accept Jesus as a baby, vulnerable and innocent, sweet and mild, but am I willing to accept Jesus when that acceptance requires more of me? Am I willing to accept Jesus if it means risking my life? Or risking my way of life?
The gospel reading for today’s feast (Matthew 10: 17-22) includes Jesus preparing his disciples for coming persecution, “Brother will hand over brother to death, and the father his child; children will rise up against parents and have them put to death. You will be hated by all because of my name, but whoever endures to the end will be saved.” Difficult, indeed, but also encouraging that the Spirit will be with them as they undergo persecution, “For it will not be you who speak but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.”
Likewise, in the first reading (Acts 6: 8-10, 7: 54-59) we hear that Stephen was “filled with grace and power.” And in his moment of death prayed, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit,” (similar to Jesus’ own words to his Father while on the cross)
As we consider the question of whether we are willing to accept Jesus beyond the cradle, and face the challenges that being a true disciple of Jesus brings, I pray that we may be strengthened by the Spirit of God as was St. Stephen. May we make today’s Psalm 31 response our prayer as well: “Into your hands, O Lord, I commend my spirit.” And see where Jesus leads us through this Christmas season and into the coming new year.
~Eileen Miller