Today is the memorial of St. Stephen, deacon. Named as one of the first deacons (from the Greek word for servant), Stephen was martyred for his faith by being stoned to death. The account of his death in the Acts of the Apostles also is the first time Saul, later to be Paul, the apostle, is mentioned (Acts 7:54-60). Strange that just one day after the celebration of Jesus birth, we turn immediately to a gruesome post-resurrection account of a martyrdom. I imagine it has to do with the discovery or recovery of his remains or relics. However, every year it is bracing to recognize that it is one thing to join the rest of the goodwill of sharing, caring and giving that Christmas inspires and to add the nature of shedding ones blood in devotion to Jesus, the one true God. Lord Jesus, receive my spirit, exclaimed the saint before dying. Perhaps a prayer for the day as well. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Stephen
Posted on: Fri, 26 Dec 2014 17:04:06 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015