The Courage to Witness: Reflecting on St. Stephen's Feast Day
Today, December 26th, the Church celebrates the Feast of St. Stephen, the first Christian martyr. While we're still wrapped in the joy of Christmas, the liturgy asks us to consider a sobering reality: following Christ comes with a cost.
The Gospel Warning
In today's Gospel reading from Matthew 10:17-22, Jesus speaks plainly to his disciples about what lies ahead. He doesn't sugarcoat the truth or promise an easy path. Instead, he warns them they will face courts, synagogues, governors, and kings. Families will be divided. Hatred will come from all sides.
But within this difficult message, Jesus offers profound reassurance: "When they hand you over, do not worry about what you are to say or how to say it, for in that moment you will be given what you are to say."
Stephen's Witness
The first reading from Acts shows us these very words fulfilled. Stephen, described as a man "filled with grace and power," performed great wonders among the people. When his opponents couldn't refute his wisdom and the Spirit with which he spoke, they resorted to violence.
As the stones began to fly, Stephen didn't curse his enemies or despair. Instead, filled with the Holy Spirit, he gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God with Jesus standing at God's right hand. Even in his final moments, he echoed Christ's own words, praying for his executioners.
The Message for Us
We may never face literal stones, but we all encounter moments when our faith puts us at odds with the world around us. It might be a conversation at work, a difficult family situation, or simply choosing to live differently than those around us.
Stephen's example reminds us that authentic witness isn't about having all the right words prepared. It's about being so filled with the Spirit that truth flows through us naturally. It's about maintaining love even when facing hostility. It's about keeping our eyes fixed on Christ, especially when the world tries to pull our gaze downward.
Perseverance Unto the End
Jesus concludes his warning with a promise: "He that shall persevere unto the end, he shall be saved." Stephen persevered. He remained faithful when it cost him everything. And the Church remembers him not as a victim, but as a victor—the first in a long line of witnesses who chose Christ over comfort, truth over safety, love over hatred.
As we move through this Christmas season, let's carry the joy of Christ's birth alongside the courage of Stephen's witness. The baby in the manger grew into the man on the cross, and those who follow him must be willing to walk the same path of sacrificial love.
The question isn't whether we'll face challenges to our faith. The question is whether, like Stephen, we'll keep our eyes fixed on heaven when those challenges come.