- Feb 5, 2002
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Today is Dec. 26, the feast of St. Stephen, the first martyr.
We hear in the readings for today’s Mass, “When they hand you over, do not worry about how you are to speak or what you are to say. You will be given at that moment what you are to say. For it will not be you who speak but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you” (Mt 10:19-20).
Today, I am here with my Dominican brothers at the Basilica of St. Stephen in Jerusalem to celebrate the feast of St. Stephen, the first martyr of the Church. It is no coincidence that his feast falls just after Christmas, as the light of Christ’s birth and the witness of Stephen’s sacrifice are profoundly connected.
It is here, in Jerusalem, that Stephen bore witness to Christ’s life and teachings, to the profound love of God revealed in the Incarnation. Chosen by the apostles to assist their ministry as a deacon, he was a generous servant of the poor. His charity, distributing food and other aid to those in need, represents well the charity of the Christmas season.
Continued below.
www.oursundayvisitor.com
We hear in the readings for today’s Mass, “When they hand you over, do not worry about how you are to speak or what you are to say. You will be given at that moment what you are to say. For it will not be you who speak but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you” (Mt 10:19-20).
Today, I am here with my Dominican brothers at the Basilica of St. Stephen in Jerusalem to celebrate the feast of St. Stephen, the first martyr of the Church. It is no coincidence that his feast falls just after Christmas, as the light of Christ’s birth and the witness of Stephen’s sacrifice are profoundly connected.
It is here, in Jerusalem, that Stephen bore witness to Christ’s life and teachings, to the profound love of God revealed in the Incarnation. Chosen by the apostles to assist their ministry as a deacon, he was a generous servant of the poor. His charity, distributing food and other aid to those in need, represents well the charity of the Christmas season.
Continued below.
How St. Stephen's martyrdom reveals the mystery of Christmas
Learn how St. Stephen's martyrdom and joyful hope in Christ reveals the mystery and true meaning of Christmas.
www.oursundayvisitor.com
