Feast of Saint Stephen, first martyr

Stephen, filled with grace and power, was working great wonders and signs among the people. Certain members of the so-called Synagogue of Freedmen, Cyrenians, and Alexandrians,
and people from Cilicia and Asia, came forward and debated with Stephen, but they could not withstand the wisdom and the spirit with which he spoke.

There will be times in our lives when we will be asked to defend our faith or be willing to suffer because of what we believe. It is during times like these that we should look to the martyrs for inspiration. We might not be stoned to death, but we may suffer hardships in order to do God’s Will. During these times of trial and tribulation, God will give us the grace and power we need to face our difficulties with faithful, hopeful, and loving hearts. We shall be able to love even our enemies and ask God’s forgiveness on them for they know not what they do. As long as we choose to think, speak, and act mercifully, like Christ and the martyrs who came before us, then we shall have nothing to fear... not even death.

Do we allow God to work through us by proclaiming the Good News to all we meet through our good works and kind spirits? Are we willing to suffer martyrdom for our faith? Do we pray to God for the wisdom we need to use the grace and power He has given us for our good and the good of others?

O Lord, fill us with your grace, power, and wisdom.

Amen.