💖 HOMILY - DECEMBER 26 💖

SAINT STEPHEN, THE FIRST MARTYR 

First Reading - Acts 6:8-10,7:54-59 

Gospel - Matthew 10:17-22

In the early Church, martyrdom was a hallmark of sainthood. Martyrs were revered as saints, and saints often bore witness to their faith through martyrdom. It is fitting, then, that the Church celebrates the feast of St. Stephen, the first Christian martyr, immediately after the joyous commemoration of Christ's birth. Today’s readings call us to reflect on our own faith journey. Are we growing in faith despite challenges, or are we allowing worldly influences to erode our commitment to Christ?

The first reading recounts the life and martyrdom of Stephen, a man filled with the Holy Spirit. The reading is divided into two parts. The first part highlights Stephen’s Spirit-filled works and words. Guided by the Spirit, Stephen performed wonders and preached with wisdom, leaving his adversaries unable to refute him. Yet their jealousy and hatred led to his persecution. The second part narrates his martyrdom. Stephen’s unwavering trust in God, his readiness to forgive his persecutors, and his serene acceptance of death offer us an inspiring example of faith and courage.

The Gospel underscores the reality of opposition and persecution that Christians face for their faith. Matthew’s community, composed of Judeo-Christians, had firsthand experience of such trials. The prophetic words of Jesus, warning of betrayal and persecution, were coming true in their lives. The martyrdom of James, the threats to the apostles, and the division even within families affirmed the cost of discipleship. Yet, Jesus also promised divine assistance, assuring His followers that the Holy Spirit would guide and protect them during such ordeals.

Persecutions in the early Church came from various sources: the Roman government, local synagogues, and even family members. Christians were accused of heinous crimes like cannibalism, atheism, and immorality. Their radical beliefs—such as treating slaves as equals—challenged the societal norms of the Roman Empire and provoked hostility.

Dear friends, these readings remind us that trials are an intrinsic part of Christian life. While we may not face the physical persecutions endured by the early Christians, we encounter modern forms of challenges to our faith. Today, societal secularism and the misinterpretation of the separation of Church and state often exclude religious and moral instruction from public life. The influence of secular media, which mocks religious beliefs, can lead to a “white martyrdom” for believers, especially when children and the unwary are subjected to such ridicule without the foundation of faith.

In the face of these modern challenges, our duty is clear. We must ensure that the next generation receives religious and moral instruction, both at home and in our parishes. The Holy Spirit, who strengthened Stephen, remains with us today, guiding and sustaining us through every trial.

Let us draw inspiration from St. Stephen’s unwavering faith and trust in God. May we find strength in the Spirit to persevere in our faith journey, standing firm in the face of opposition, and courageously bearing witness to Christ in our lives.