Word to the Wise
Thursday, December 26, 2024 - Dec. 26 - Feast of St. Stephen, first martyr
[Acts 6:8-10; 7:54-59 and Matt 10:17-22]"Brother will hand over brother to death, and the father his child; children will rise up against parents and have them put to death. You will be hated by all because of my name, but whoever endures to the end will be saved." [Matthew]
The day after Christmas we are brought, liturgically, down to earth with a thump! The baby in the manger, the Savior of the world, will grow up to be crucified and those who identify themselves by their faith in him and preach it will be persecuted and even martyred! In celebrating the birth of Jesus, we are also reminded of his future death. This is not just something from the past. In our own times, there are places where Christians are being persecuted and killed because of their faith in Jesus. We Christians, ourselves, have not always been tolerant of other religious faiths. Dominican friars like me are often questioned about our role in the "inquisition."
The word "martyr" comes from a Greek term meaning a "witness." Jesus warned his disciples that their ministry would be dangerous but they would be sustained in perseverance by the Holy Spirit. The euphoria and joy of Christmas Day must be tempered by the somber and sad reality of persecution. The story of the Holy Innocents, which we will celebrate Dec. 28, will reinforce today's feast. The story of Stephen in the Acts of the Apostles is mean to provide an example. His death was witnessed by a young anti-Christian zealot named Saul who would become St. Paul! What inspiration have we been gathering from our celebration of Christmas and now hearing what the baby in the manger is going to demand of us? AMEN