RBWords

     The very day after Christmas, when we are taking ornaments off the tree, hauling gift wrapping to the curb and wondering where we put Aunt or Uncle So-and-so's strange gift, we are struck with death - the death of someone who dared to bear witness to a life we've just spent days and dollars commemorating!  The feast of St. Stephen, Proto (first)-martyr.  Just outside the walls of Old Jerusalem there is a spot where tradition says St. Stephen was martyred.  There one will find the world famous Dominican scripture school, the Ecole Biblique.  The Dominican priory is appropriately named after him, St. Etienne.  The study of the Word of God stands on the blood of a martyr.

     The story of Jesus' birth contains the story of danger.  The Holy Innocents, whom we celebrate Dec. 28, are a reminder of this.  But, we also know the end of Jesus' earthly life, too.  He was martyred!  The same fate was shared by Stephen and most of the apostles.  The joy of the Christmas season is important, but the depths of that joy remind us that witness to the birth of the Word Made Flesh can be dangerous.  The words of Jesus in the last line of today's gospel scripture tell us, "You will be hated by all because of my name, but whoever endures to the end will be saved."  That was true for Stephen.  It could be true for us!  AMEN