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Feast of St. Stephen, the first martyr
Acts of the Apostles 6:8-10; 7;54-59
Psalm 31:3CD-4, 6 & 8AB, 16BC & 17
Matthew 10:17-22
Summary
Today’s first reading, from the Acts of the Apostles, relates to us the wis-
dom, grace, power and spirit with which God blessed St. Stephen, the first
martyr, as he proclaimed the Good News. Unfortunately for Stephen,
things didn’t turn out so well for him in the final moments; yet even as he
was being stoned, his faith remained unshaken as he called out “Lord Jesus,
receive my spirit”. Matthew’s Gospel reading also paints a pretty grim pic-
ture (didn’t we just celebrate Christmas yesterday???) as he speaks of
“brothers handing over brothers to death”, and “children having their par-
ents put to death”. Oh yes, and the other reassuring line, “you will be hated
by all because of my name”. But wait, before we get hung up on all of that
death and hatred, Jesus reassures us that through it all our Father will be with
us! He will “give us at that moment what we are to say”, and in fact it will
be “the Spirit of the Father speaking through us”! The Responsorial Psalm
brings us the joy that we are seeking and ties it all together as we hear of
God being our “refuge and our stronghold”; our “rock and our fortress”;
our “leader and our guide”, who will “redeem us with His mercy” and “save
us in His kindness”. Thanks, Responsorial Psalm, for saving the day!
Reflection
These readings are a far cry
from the unbridled joy
which we experienced yes-
terday as we once again
welcomed the Baby Jesus
into our homes, our lives
and our hearts. In truth,
the first reading and the
Gospel give us a little
“reality check”, and bring
us back to the trials and dif-
ficulties which we may ex-