St Stephen

Many blessings to you on today's feast of St Stephen. 

How interesting that the day after the Nativity, the Church recalls the death of St Stephen.  The Early Church, struggling with with persecutions saw martyrdom for Christ as a kind of birth, a new life in Christ.  Or they would refer to it as a Baptism by fire.  

St Paul alludes to a sharing in Christ's death and resurrection through Baptism in his letter to the Christians in Rome.  "Are you unaware that we who are baptized into Christ Jesus is baptized into his death..."

The Acts of the Apostles recall that at the time of his Martyrdom, St Stephen was filled the Holy Spirit.  So much that he prays for his persecutors. 

The Holy Spirit gives courage to proclaim Jesus as Lord.  The Spirit casts out fears and elevates the soul to God.  He and moves the soul to pray for those whom we find difficult to pray for.  

Father, by the power of the Spirit, we seek your pardon and mercy.