STEADFASTNESS IN FAITH: Stephen was the leader of the
seven deacons, who were originally ordained to serve at table. With time, their
office metamorphosed into the ministry of preaching as well. As the leader of
the deacons, Stephen was a force to reckon with in the proclamation of the
risen Jesus. He was not intimidated by the rulers of various synagogues, who
teamed up to oppose his teachings about Jesus Christ. In Stephen is fulfilled
the popular saying: One with God is majority. It is not a game of number but of
faith. Stephen put his life at stake without fear. This is an extra-ordinary
grace, for which we have to pray. In many cases, we soft-pedal, when our life
is at stake. We use different kinds of defence mechanisms: silence, diplomacy,
avoidance, euphemism, denial of faith, etc. In Stephen, we see a man who
calls a spade a spade, no matter whose ox is gored. It takes one of great faith
to put his/her life at stake for the sake of Christ. Stephen’s opponents lied
against him. They accused him of blasphemy, religious violence and sacrilege.
As Christians, we face daily all kinds of oppositions, most often in small
measures. Stephen gives us a big challenge. Do not be afraid of those who kill
the body but cannot kill the soul (Matt 10:28). Jesus says to us: “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth
and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit” (John 12:24). Even
though Jesus promises us safety before our enemies, it is not always physical protection.
Just as in the case of James, John the Baptist and Jesus himself, eventually,
Stephen suffered martyrdom.
PRAYER: O God, we beseech you to give us the grace to
remain firm in our faith in the face of opposition, even while in danger of
death. Amen.
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