Feast of Saint Stephen, first martyr
(Acts 6,8-10.7:54-59; Matthew 10:17-22)
Some might think the Church wants to limit people’s enjoyment
when she sets the martyrdom of Stephan on the day after Christmas. But the reason for this placement goes much
deeper than prudishness. The Church wants
to remind everyone that Jesus became incarnate to atone for human sins. His suffering and death secured human freedom
from both the debt of and the attachment to sin. This salvific sacrifice provides the greatest
reason for rejoicing.
There are hints of Jesus’ martyrdom in both gospels that
contain infancy narratives. Matthew
tells how Herod kills perhaps thousands of toddlers in pursuit of Jesus. Luke will record Simeon making the prophecy
that Jesus “will be a sign that will be contradicted.” In other words, Jesus’ offer
of salvation will be brutally resented and rejected.
Christmas week is not Holy Week. We don’t have to end our rejoicing over our
Savior’s birth on December 26. But we
should keep in mind that faith entails more than singing Christmas carols and calling
on Jesus’ name. We must prepare
ourselves for sacrifice in service of the Lord as we wait to experience all the
fruits of his salvation.
