His Word Today: Saint Stephen

Good morning everyone,
Merry Christmas!

On the day after Christmas day, the Church celebrates the Feast of Saint Stephen the first martyr of the Church.  The Acts of the Apostles give us some details about this holy deacon.  He was filled with grace and power, and was working great signs and wonders among the people (Acts 6:8).  These teachings and his vehement insistence on continuing them caused him to be seen as a threat to the Romans.  Many other Jews also tried to refute his teachings but they could not withstand the wisdom and the spirit with which he spoke (Acts 6:10).

We have just celebrated the great feast of Our Saviour's birth.  Filled with this joy, we want to share the good news.  Perhaps therefore we have some understanding of Stephen's enthusiasm, but Jesus warned his followers that others would not be quick to accept the words and witness of faith.  Beware of men, for they will hand you over to courts and scourge you in their synagogues, and you will be led before governors and kings for my sake as a witness before them (Mt 10:17-18).  Then he goes on to say: When they hand you over, do not worry about how you are to speak or what you are to say. You will be given at that moment what you are to say. For it will not be you who speak but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you (Mt 10:19-20).  Stephen remembered these words.  In fact, he made a very long speech in which he explained all that he had come to know about Jesus and in reply, Stephen was driven out of the city and stoned to death (cf Acts 7:58-59).

Telling others about our faith and our belief in Jesus has never been easy.  There have always been those who refuse to welcome this message, but Saint Stephen and others like him can help us to find the courage to speak up.  Otherwise, the world around us will drown out the voice that needs to be heard and threaten to rob us of the reason for our Christmas celebrations.  Pray today for the gift of bravery so that we can all be joyful witnesses and share the joy of Christmas with others.

Have a great day.