Feast of Saint
Stephen, proto-martyr
(Acts 6:8-10.7:54-59; Matthew 10:17-22)
In the nativity narratives of both Matthew’s and Luke’s
gospels hints appear of the crucifixion.
In Luke at the presentation in the Temple, the visionary Simeon reveals
the fate of Jesus to Mary. When he says
that her son will be “a sign that will be contradicted,” he is referring to the
coalition of Jews and Romans who will crucify Jesus. In Matthew the reference to the cross is more
obvious. From the time of Jesus’ birth the Jewish authority connives to kill
him. For the same reason the evangelists
hint of his death in the story of his birth, the Church juxtaposes the memorial
of the first martyr, St. Stephen, with the celebration of Christmas.
Stephen is a Greek-speaking Jew elected with six others to
administer the food needs of the Greek-speaking widows of the primitive
Christian community in Jerusalem.
Evidently the service they rendered was more than supplying groceries as
he and at least one other prove themselves as exceptional preachers. In the full account of his execution Stephen
gives a history of Israel showing how it leads to Jesus whom the Jews have
recently crucified.
The inclusion of Jesus’ death in the celebration of his
birth should temper our festivity. At
the very least, we should be careful not to eat or drink too much. More to the heart of the matter, knowing that
Jesus was born to bring us the love of God whatever the cost, our jubilation
should include concern for those who suffer.
They are bearers living in our midst of the same Jesus in whose coming
we rejoice.
