St. Stephen was the first Christian martyr. He "was a man filled with grace and power, who worked great wonders and signs among the people" (Acts 6:8). His ministry was that of a deacon ordained to distribute daily food supplies to the Jewish widows of Greek ancestry (Acts 6:1). Stephen and six other deacons were appointed to this task so that the apostles could "concentrate on prayer and the ministry of the word" (Acts 6:4). Stephen did carry out his food distribution ministry. In addition, through the Holy Spirit, he also ministered so powerfully in evangelization, signs, and wonders that the enemies of the Church killed Stephen even before the Twelve Apostles.
Jesus warned His disciples and apostles of this coming persecution (Mt 10:16-18). Yet persecution leads to the spread of the Gospel rather than its suppression. The world cannot chain the Word of God (2 Tm 2:9), no matter how hard it tries to suppress or persecute Jesus' witnesses. "The blood of martyrs is the seed of Christians" and of the Church (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 852). Accordingly, Saul, the persecutor of the Church, who witnessed the martyrdom of Stephen, was transformed into a preacher of the faith he tried to destroy (Gal 1:23). Therefore, be a Stephen. Speak up for Jesus. The Lord says to you: "Do not be afraid. Go on speaking and do not be silenced, for I am with you" (Acts 18:9-10).
| PRAYER: | "O Lord, open my lips, and my mouth shall proclaim Your praise" (Ps 51:17). |
| PROMISE: | "For Your name's sake You will lead and guide me." –Ps 31:4 |
| PRAISE: | St. Stephen accepted the grace to forgive his murderers and saw Jesus in heaven before his earthly life ended. |
Reprinted with permission from Presentation Ministries, a lay association of the Catholic Church that focuses on evangelization and discipleship through Bible teaching, daily Mass, the charisms of the Holy Spirit, and Small Christian Community. Their ministries include:
· One Bread, One Body
· Daily Bread Radio Program
· Annual Bible Institute
· Discipleship Retreats
· Guadalupe Bible College