St Stephen

[cappie]

 Today, we celebrate the Feast of St. Stephen. St. Stephen's story, found in the Acts of the Apostles, serves as a testament to the transformative power of faith, courage, and the unwavering commitment to Christ. As with many of the holy men and women we encounter in the biblical text, we know very little about Stephen before the disciples presented him to the apostles as a man filled with the Spirit and wisdom (Acts 6:6).  They trusted he would be a good steward, showing care and concern for the equitable distribution of resources.  He was filled with grace and power, working great wonders and signs among the people (Acts 6:8).  

 St. Stephen, a man filled with faith and the Holy Spirit, was chosen to serve the early Christian community. His life reflected the qualities of a true disciple—devotion, humility, and a burning love for Christ.   How can we emulate his devotion in our lives today? Are we ready to serve Christ with a whole heart, regardless of the circumstances?

 However, St. Stephen's faith was not without challenges. He faced opposition from those who resisted the message of Christ. His fearless proclamation of the Gospel sparked hostility, yet he stood firm in the face of adversity. In our own lives, we may encounter opposition for our faith. St. Stephen's courage encourages us to persevere in proclaiming the truth, even when faced with opposition or ridicule.

As the stones rained down upon him, St. Stephen echoed the words of Christ on the cross, pleading for forgiveness for his persecutors. In this powerful moment, he demonstrated the transformative nature of Christ's love and forgiveness. We can ask ourselves are we, like Stephen, willing to forgive those who may oppose us or mistreat us for our faith? St. Stephen's example challenges us to respond to hatred with love, just as Christ taught us.

We read in the Acts in the midst of suffering, St. Stephen was granted a heavenly vision. As he faced death, he saw the glory of God and Jesus standing at the right hand of the Father. This vision sustained him in his final moments. In our own trials and tribulations, we can fix our eyes on the eternal glory promised to us through Christ. St. Stephen's vision reminds us that, even in the darkest moments, the light of Christ shines brightly.

Today, as we commemorate the Feast of St. Stephen, let us be inspired by his unwavering faith, courage in the face of opposition, and willingness to forgive. May we, like him, strive to live as faithful servants of Christ, embracing the challenges with grace and looking to the eternal glory that awaits us. May the spirit of St. Stephen ignite a fire within us—a fire that burns with love, forgiveness, and an unyielding commitment to our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.