Readings: Acts 6:8-10,7:54-59, Ps. 31:3-4,6,8,16-17, Matthew 10:17-22
“Brother will deliver up brother to death, and the father his child, and children will rise against parents and have them put to death, and all will hate you for my name’s sake. But he who endures to the end will be saved.” (Matthew 10:21-22)
Why do we celebrate the feast of St. Stephen, the Martyr, just one day after Christmas? Today’s morning prayer answers: “Grant Lord, we pray that we may imitate what we worship, and so learn to love even our enemies, for we celebrate the heavenly birthday of a man who knew how to pray for his persecutors.”
In other words, yesterday, we celebrated Jesus’ birthday. Jesus was born among men. Today, we celebrate St. Stephen’s birthday. Stephen was born into heaven. Stephen’s birth into heaven was made possible by Jesus’s birth into humanity. Our ability to enter heaven is one of the fruits of Christmas. If Christ had never taken our flesh, we would have never had the chance to enter into eternity. Technically, Christmas has not ended. For the next few days, we would be celebrating the fruits of Christ’s birth among mankind.
In today’s first reading, we observe that Stephen was killed by his friends—fellow Christians, preachers, and healers like himself—people who claim to know God. “Some of those who belonged to the synagogue of the Freedmen (as it was called), and of the Cyrenians, and the Alexandrians, and those from Cilicia and Asia, arose and disputed with Stephen.” (Acts 6:9).
The truth is that debates over faith-related issues did not end with Stephen. Today, non-Catholics argue that for honouring God’s mother, Mary, all Catholics will go to hell. Is praying the rosary idolatry? Recently, someone told me I should show them Bible verses mandating the celebration of Christmas. Someone even said that Jesus was not born on 25 December. The arguments go on and on.
Are these arguments even necessary? If you come to me desiring to learn, I can explain my faith to the best of my knowledge, but when you are determined to force me to reject my beliefs because you are convinced I am wrong and you are right, there will be problems. Some people are so filled with hate that they hide under the cover of argument to ease their inner pain and turmoil. Hence, your goal should never be about winning arguments; try to win hearts instead. Let not your discussion about God or religion lead to physical fights or death, as was the case with St. Stephen.
“But they could not withstand the wisdom and the Spirit with which he spoke. Then they secretly instigated men, who said, ‘We have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses and God.’” (Acts 6:10-11). There is a saying in pidgin – “the person wei dey cry still fit see road”. Do not assume that everyone showing you love during this period truly loves you. Shine your eyes! Be on guard. In today’s Gospel passage, we hear Jesus say: “Beware of men…” In other words: “Be Careful!” It is not everyone who goes to Church (or quotes the Bible) that is a Christian.
The world never accepted Jesus Christ. From the very day he was born, Jesus faced enemies. So many people were determined to kill him. They followed him everywhere, looking for mistakes. From Herod, who wiped out children, to Judas Iscariot, Jesus was always surrounded by enemies. No one has ever been so hated. When your life begins to mirror that of Jesus, people will despise you with the same passion as they hated Jesus. Your family members (fellow Church or fellow Christians) will not be exempt. “Brother will deliver up brother to death, and the father his child, and children will rise against parents and have them put to death.”
What was Stephen’s real offence? “Stephen, full of grace and power, did great wonders and signs among the people.” (Acts 6:8). Stephen was doing too much too soon. He had just been commissioned to serve at tables but was already doing what Peter did on Pentecost Day. I am not saying you shouldn’t show your talents or use your gifts. However, be prepared for conflict. If you must serve God, people will oppose you.
We have just celebrated Christmas. Do not throw caution to the wind; be careful. Not everyone you think is your friend genuinely is a friend. This should not scare you; instead, it should keep you alert. As Jesus would say: “Be wise as serpents and innocent as doves.” (Matthew 10:16). In other words, “Use your common sense and be prayerful.” Today’s responsorial psalm is a prayer we should say daily.
Let us pray: Grant, Lord, we pray, that we may imitate what we worship, and so learn to love even our enemies, for we celebrate the heavenly birthday of a man who knew how to pray even for his persecutors. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, forever and ever. Amen.
Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. May God’s abundant blessings be upon us all. (Saint Stephen, the first Martyr – Feast. Liturgical Colour: Red. Bible Study: Acts 6:8-10,7:54-59, Ps. 31:3-4,6,8,16-17, Matthew 10:17-22)
@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu