TUESDAY DECEMBER 26, 2023
SECOND DAY IN THE OCTAVE OF CHRISTMAS
FEAST OF SAINT STEPHEN
Acts 6:8-10;7:54-59
Matthew 10:17-22
THE EXTENT OF WITNESSING TO OUR FAITH.
To what extent does the Christian faith calls us to give ourselves? In order words, how far can we go in attesting and witnessing to our faith? This seems to be the focus of the Church in placing the feast of Saint Stephen who was martyred for the faith immediately after the celebration of the birth of Christ.
It is more a very radical change of mood from joy to reflections on the killing of Saint Stephen. In this senerio, the church calls us to a life of witnessing. That our Christian faith and belief is a life of witnessing. Such witnessing is radically different from the former status of the Jewish people.
In this new dispensation, where Jesus is given birth in the heart of Christians, our orientation changes radically to think less of ourselves but more of the task of giving and sacrificing everything for Christ, even our very lifes. Saint Stephen stands out as the model of the sacrifice, commitment, devotion and self giving that every believer is expected to become in the faith.
First, every believer, like Saint Stephen is expected to be “full of power and the Holy Spirit.” This will enable believers as Stephen was to do marvelous and wonderful works for God.
Then all believers must stand out to be witnesses of the gospel to the ends of the earth, by speaking the truth, confronting authorities, going against the evil norms in our society and calling attention to the values of eternity in Christ which Saint Stephen did and lived out.
Then all believers must never compromise their faith in succumbing to intimidation of the rulers and the world in general who may be against our faith and value systems as Christians. Neither are we to live in unnecessary friendship with evil and wicked people, ruling classes and even the society that may show hostility to our faith and Christian moral values.
For this, Jesus warns us dearly in the gospel of today. He tells us, “Beware of men; for they will deliver you up to councils, and flog you in their synagogues, and you will be dragged before governors and kings for my sake, to bear testimony before them and the Gentiles.”
We, as redeemed people must be firm in faith, dedicated to duty and strong in integrity of our calling to uphold the tenets of the faith. The promise that Christ offers us is that we will not be confounded, ” for what you are to say will be given to you in that hour; for it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.”
Notwithstanding, the weakness of man will surely show its ugly face. Fear of discomforts, pains, even fear of death will confound us and pressure us to succumb or yield towards abandoning our faith. That is why we are presented with Saint Stephen to strengthen our resolve and keep us in check of what is coming to us. And the church uses the celebration of this feast to inspire us in our faith and beliefs so that we may never weaver or become confused.
To the extent therefore that our faith takes us is to the point of paying the ultimate prize, to the point of dieing for our faith. The Christian calling should never be afraid of giving witness to the point of giving up our lives.
God our Father, we come to you presenting our feeble faith battered by the world’s hostility, fears, insincerity and cruelty. Like Saint Stephen, grant us the right disposition and greater spirit and dedication to the faith. May we be firm, resolved, clear in mind, strong in spirit to adhere and never give in to weakness and fear but face life with faith and courage through Christ our Lord.
Fr Norbert Uchuno
