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“The Stoning of St. Stephen”
by Pietro Da Cortona, 1660
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Readings and Commentary:[3]
Reading 1: Acts 6:8-10; 7:54-59
Commentary on Acts 6:8-10; 7:54-59
The Evangelist tells the story of how St. Stephen, one of the first Deacons selected by the Apostles, was martyred. It is interesting to note that the "Saul" at whose feet the cloaks were laid is our own St. Paul who before his conversion was a talented prosecutor of Christians.
‘”It is clear’, St. Ephraem comments, ‘that those who suffer for Christ enjoy the glory of the whole Trinity. Stephen saw the Father and Jesus at His side, because Jesus appears only to his own, as was the case with the Apostles after the Resurrection. While the champion of the faith stood there helpless in the midst of those who had killed the Lord, just at the point when the first martyr was to be crowned, he saw the Lord, holding a crown in His right hand, as if to encourage him to conquer death and to show that he inwardly helps those who are about to die on his account. He therefore reveals what he sees, that is, the heavens opened, which were closed to Adam and only opened to Christ at the Jordan, but open now after the Cross to all who share Christ's sufferings, and in the first instance open to this man. See how Stephen reveals why his face was lit up: it was because he was on the point of contemplating this wondrous mission. That is why he took on the appearance of an angel--so that his testimony might be more reliable (Armenian Commentary, ad loc.).” [4]
CCC: Acts 7:56 659
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Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 31:3cd-4, 6 and 8ab, 16bc and 17
R. (6) Into your hands, O Lord, I commend my spirit.
Commentary on Ps 31:3cd-4, 6 and 8ab, 16bc and 17
This is an individual lament. The section links nicely to the death of martyrs with “Into your hands I commend my spirit” and “You hide them in the shelter of your presence from the plottings of men.” The psalmist gives us a song of faith very appropriate for the one who is put to the test for their faith. It is a prayer for rescue and a submission of will to God's saving power.
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Gospel: Matthew 10:17-22
Commentary on Mt 10:17-22
Jesus gives his disciples instructions on how to deal with the persecution they are to undergo at the hands of those who do not accept him, especially those in power. His instruction is one that relies on faith that the Father, through the Holy Spirit will supply the words. There is also a presumption that there will be loss of life. Here the Lord tells us that those who are steadfast in their faith cannot die a spiritual death.
"Here, the hostility the apostles will face comes into sharp focus. They are being sent out like sheep in the midst of wolves - an image of vulnerability and helplessness before fierce attackers. Yet the apostles are not to be passive when enemies assail them. They are to be as shrewd as serpents, prudently anticipating threats and finding ways to survive. But they must at the same time be as simple as doves. The word for simple means 'unmixed,' suggesting that the apostles' shrewd tactics should be animated by pure motives and single-mindedness for their ministry. Shrewdness should never lead them to seek survival or advantage in a way that compromises their integrity."[5]
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Reflection:
Each year, on the day following Christmas, the Church celebrates the Feast of St. Stephen. The Gospel of St. John used at the Christmas Mass during the day tells us that the Word incarnate will be rejected by those who are His own (John 1:10). In today’s Gospel, the Lord cautions his followers that they too will face rejection, persecution, and possibly death. With the glow of the Morning Star that illuminated the manger still warming our hearts, we are given a stern reminder of what discipleship means.
For the Order of Deacons (the diaconate), this day is very special. St. Stephen, the first martyr, is also one of the first deacons, ordained by the Apostles to serve the Church. His feast day is the day upon which we celebrate the establishment of the diaconate. Since all ordained clergy in the Church (Deacons, Priests, and Bishops) are ordained to that rank and order, this is a very important day in the life of the Church as a whole.
In scripture today we are given selections that tell us of the unique connection between Jesus, the Apostles, and those first seven deacons, most especially St. Stephen. Upon him and the other six, hands were imposed, dedicating them to the service of the poor and marginalized members of the faith community. We hear the story of how St. Stephen was put to death for essentially the same reason as the Lord. He was proclaiming the good news in a way that infuriated the Hebrew leadership. We see the irony of the participation of Saul (later St. Paul, who also died a martyr's death) in the condemnation and execution of St. Stephen. One must wonder if St. Stephen's words did not, in some way, pave the path for St. Paul’s later conversion.
We hear in the psalm a prayer for strength in the face of persecution, and we are given in the Gospel words of encouragement by Jesus. He tells us: "...whoever endures to the end will be saved.” We must expect the same kind, if not the same degree, of resistance in our own Christian witness based upon what the Lord tells us earlier in that same verse: "You will be hated by all because of my name." It is ironic that we are now called “haters” by many of those who reject Christian morality.
On this great feast of the Church, let us give thanks to God for the gift of all his Saints, especially St. Stephen, martyr and Deacon. Let us also give thanks to all those throughout history who have laid down their lives for the faith and pray that we can be courageous and follow in their steps.
Pax
[1] The picture today is “The Stoning of St. Stephen” by Pietro Da Cortona, 1660
[4] The Navarre Bible, “Gospels and Acts”, Scepter Publishers, Princeton, NJ, © 2002, pp. 763
[5] The Gospel of Matthew, © 2010 Curtis Mitch and Edward Sri, Baker Academic, Grand Rapids, MI, pp. 145
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