Each year the martyrdom of St. Stephen, a dynamic deacon who was stoned to death not long after the Resurrection, which is celebrated the day after Christmas, seemingly presents a dramatic contrast to the joy and good cheer we enjoyed a short twenty-four hours ago. Yes, but it is a stark reminder of what is entailed in the lives of those who follow Jesus, who warned his disciples of persecution, suffering and death.(Cf. Mt 10:17-22). Even as a child, Jesus was sought after for execution by King Herod and had to flee with Mary and Joseph to Egypt. For all the good he did and love he spread, his life was at constant odds with the "establishment" and was eventually terminated on the cross...Were it not for the Resurrection, it would have been a total waste of time.
The Resurrection is the redeeming factor in this apparently ill-positioned tale of Stephen's martyrdom and fits rightly into the Christmas story and the plan of salvation. Joy, life, love and eternal peace triumph over the sufferings and big and little martyrdoms that occur daily. As we wash dishes and clean up the debris from yesterday's celebrations and feel very "un-Christmasy" may we retain the inner joy of Easter that puts all pain in proper perspective. Thank you, St. Stephen, for reminding us to commend our spirits to the resurrected Jesus, our Source of Life.
Bro. Rene
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