Sunday in the Octave of Christmas (Fr James Socias, et al [Eds], “Daily Roman Missal”, 1989, p100)
Feast of St Stephen, first martyr -- Stoned outside Jerusalem, he died praying for his executioners. One of the first seven deacons who helped the apostles. The Church draws an analogy between the disciple and the Master, emphasizing the imitation of Christ up to complete gift of self. (Fr James Socias, et al [Eds], “Daily Roman Missal”, 1989, p1718)
St Stephen
Today also, Christmas goes on exerting its salutary and bracing influence. I wish to venerate St Stephen together with you, as the Church honors him, the first Christian martyr on the day after the solemnity of the Nativity.
“Yesterday we celebrated the birth in time of our eternal King. Today we celebrate the glorious passion of one of his soldiers. Yesterday indeed, our King, vested in the noble robe of his flesh, came out from his royal dwelling in the womb of the Virgin and deigned to visit the world. Today, one of his soldiers leaves the tent of his body and ascends in triumph to heaven.”
These moving words are those of St Fulgentius of the ancient Church. They keep their meaning intact because they give not only the core of a relationship of liturgical continuity between the feast of the Nativity and that of the protomartyr; but also and above all a relationship of intrinsic linking in the order of sanctity and grace. Christ, King of history and Redeemer of man, puts himself at the center of that itinerary toward perfection to which he calls every human being.
We venerate St Stephen and imitate his example as the testifier for Christ he showed himself to be, with his spirited words, his concern in service to the poor, his constancy during his trial and, above all, with his heroic death. While we do so, we see that his figure is lit up and rendered giantlike in the light of his Lord and Master, whom he willed to follow in the supreme sacrifice.
A valuable lesson comes from that for us. As we look at Stephen in the light of the Nativity, we ought to take up his example and teaching. We are called to live as children of God; we, too shall be crowned as was Stephen above, in the homeland, if we are faithful.
Ref: cf “Prayers and Devotions from Pope John Paul II”, 1984, p38
St Stephen’s heroic charity
‘The gates of heaven opened for Stephen, the first of the martyrs; in heaven he wears the crown of victory.’
The holy deacon’s preaching soon raised a persecution against him. The doctors and princes of the nation dragged him before the Sanhedrin. False witnesses accused him as a blasphemer. Stephen knew instantly his dilemma: conceal the truth or risk his life in its defence. He did not waver.
Courageously proving before his judges the divinity of Jesus Christ, he reproached them for firmly resisting the Holy Spirit and putting the Messiah to death.
Martyrdom, probably, will never be our lot. We shall find comfort, however, from the spirit that the daily struggle to live presence of God in the middle of the world can be the lot of martyrs.
Drained of blood, and about to die, the saint in imitation of his Divine Master begged pardon for his murderers. “He cried in a loud voice, ‘Lord, lay not this sin against them’. Having said this, he died.” (Acts 7:60)
Thus did the first martyr fulfil the precept Jesus Christ has given to us all -- “Pray for them that persecute you; do good to them that hate you.” (Lk 6:27)
Ref: cf “Practical Meditations” by a Father of the Society of Jesus, 1964, pp815-7
‘Virgin most faithful. Pray for us.’
Reacting to persecution
Nowadays, even in countries with a great Christian tradition, numerous obstacles are placed to discourage parents who wish to educate their children in a truly Christian way. Or, simply by being Christians, are discriminated against in their professional progress.
It is not unusual for a Christian even in a so-called ‘free’ society to experience an obviously hostile atmosphere. There may be a hidden persecution whereby Christian values are ridiculed in a sarcastic manner; or pressure of opinion is put to bear to frighten the ‘weaker brethren’ into conformity.
“In former times, Christians were incited to renounce Christ; now they are taught to deny Christ. Then they were forced, now they are taught; then violence was used, now it is deception; then one heard the shouts of the enemy; now when he prowls around, gentle and insinuating, it is difficult to recognize him. ...” (St Augustine, “Commentaries on the Psalms”, 39:1)
Our Lord also warned us not to be embarassed when we are misjudged, not by unbelievers, but by own brothers in the Faith. Usually, for envy or lack of rectitude of intention, these misguided brethren might even think they were “offering service to God” (Jn 16:2).
Such circumstances mean that Our Lord is calling us in a special way to be united with him through prayer. These times demand great courage and patience; without our ever returning evil for evil. Also, contradictions and obstacles can make our interior life strong and consistent; our soul purer, more humble.
Mary, our Mother is especially close to us in all difficulties. Today we entrust ourselves particularly to the first martyr who gave his life for Christ so that we may be strong in any form of tribulation.
Ref: cf F Fernandez, “In Conversation with God”, 1:239-41, 243
Struggle
“Sanctity has the flexibility of supple muscles. Whoever wishes to be a saint should know how to behave so that while he does something that involves a mortification for him, he omits doing something else -- as long as this does not offend God -- which he would also find difficult, and thank the Lord for this comfort. If we Christians were to act otherwise we would run the risk of becoming stiff and lifeless, like a rag doll.
“Sanctity is not rigid like cardboard; it knows how to smile, to give way to others and to hope. It is life -- supernatural life.”
Ref: cf St Josemaria Escrivá, “The Forge”, 156
Institution of the Confraternity of the Conception of Our Lady, at the Great Augustinian Convent at Paris in the year 1443, where there have been ample indulgences granted since by Pope Innocent III. — Du Brenil, Antiquites, lib. ii. (“Catholic Gems or Treasures of the Church” Historical Calendar; http://www.bethlehemobserver.com); (www.marylinks.org/Mary-Calendar.htm); (maryfest.htm / www.starharbor.com/santiago/m_feasts.html).
Military Order of the Conception of Our Lady founded by Duke of Mantua with approval of Pope Urban VII, 1623; but never advanced beyond initial stages. (www.marylinks.org/Mary-Calendar.htm).
Our Lady of Acheropita. Rossano, Italy (1140). (www.iskandar.com/ourlady/ourladyfeasts.html).
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