HOMILY FOR THE FEAST OF SAINT STEPHEN, THE FIRST MARTYR

HOMILY FOR THE FEAST OF SAINT STEPHEN, THE FIRST MARTYR

HOMILY THEME: Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, yesterday we celebrated the joyful birth of a child; today we celebrate the cruel death of an innocent man. In some ways, the birth of Jesus led to the death of Stephen. Stephen was put to death because of his faith in Jesus, declaring him to be the glorious Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.

BY: Fr Deotacious Chikontwe SMA

Acts 6:8-10,7:54-59; Matthew 10:17-22

FROM OUR FIRST READING
The first reading of today tells us that a young man named Saul witnessed the killing of Stephen and approved of it. He went on to become the great apostle to the Gentiles. Perhaps the martyrdom of Stephen was somehow instrumental in Paul’s transformation from zealous persecutor of the church to its most dynamic missionary.

FROM OUR GOSPEL READING
In our Gospel passage today, the Lord Jesus speaks to his disciples and warned them about the challenges, trials and persecutions that would likely happen to them as they carried out their missions and works, and lived as they should as Christians. The Lord reminded all of them that just as the world had resented, persecuted and rejected Him, therefore the same fate would likely be faced by those who have endeavoured and committed themselves to follow the Lord and walk in His path, just as St. Stephen had done.

WHAT DOES THE FEAST OF TODAY REMIND EACH AND EVERYONE OF US
Today’s feast reminds us that the Lord can bring new life out of all our losses. In the words of today’s psalm, the Lord remains our rock and our stronghold in the midst of our painful losses. If we entrust ourselves to him at those times, if we commend our spirit into his hands, we will experience his saving help.

CONCLUSION
May the Lord, our loving God and Creator, Who has graced us all with His Holy and loving Presence, continue to strengthen our faith so that amidst all the challenges and trials, we will always be strong and able to endure the temptations and pressures to give in to wickedness of sin and evil. Let the examples and faith of His servant, Saint Stephen, the first martyr of the Church, continue to inspire us. Amen.

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