Today we celebrate the feast of the proto-martyr of Christianity: St. Stephen. Stephen was a Greek-speaking Jew who was converted to Christ – and became filled with the Holy Spirit early on. He intuitively knew that discipleship meant service. He cared very much for the poor and the widowed members of the Christian community. He was one of the seven that the Apostles chose and "ordained" to minister to the needs of the poor and the widowed as deacons.
Since Stephen was a Hellenist: a Christian who intuitively knew that Christianity must separate itself from Judaism – not to turn its back on it – but to simply grow on the foundation of it, as was intended by God – he knew that the Christian message was for the Gentiles too!
But a great many of the Jerusalem Jewish officials were against the Hellenists and very much against Stephen – a leading member of them. And so when the opportunity arose they convened a council and decided to drag Stephen outside the city and stone him to death! This they did – while Saul of Tarsus looked on and did nothing to stop it!
Stephen was the first, then, to give his life for the Christian faith. He was the first to "give back" to Jesus, everything that Jesus had given "for him and for all of us!" The Holy Spirit helped him in his last agony – and he was able to forgive his executioners as Jesus forgave his! He died crying out: "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit!"
Every person who bears the name of Christian – rejoice this day – and celebrate the martyrdom of St. Stephen – for it is a reminder that God is faithful to his promises – that he helps us in all our trials – that a crown of glory awaits those who give their all – as all was, and continues to be, given to them!
Into your hands, O Lord, we commend our spirits!
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