Daily Reflection Feast of Saint Stephen, first martyr

There is a stillness that I find year after year on the day after Christmas. On Christmas Day, we paused to reflect on the beautiful mystery of Jesus' birth. This incredible event—the coming of God into our world—not only fills us with wonder but also invites us to see the deep meaning in our own lives. It's a reminder that each of us is here for a reason: we are deeply loved, cherished, and wanted by God. The birth of Jesus reassures us that our lives have unique purpose, rooted in God’s boundless love.



The day after Christmas, we celebrate the feast of Saint Stephen, which offers a more somber yet powerful message. As we bask in the joy of Christ’s birth, St. Stephen’s story challenges us to consider the cost of following Jesus. His life reminds us that discipleship isn’t a passive choice—it’s an active commitment. Jesus calls us to stand firm in our faith and live it boldly. To be on mission with Christ looks different for each of us, but universal thread is the love of God being communicated in one way or another.



St. Stephen is remembered as a deacon and the first martyr of the Church. The word “martyr” means “witness,” and Stephen’s life shows us what it truly means to bear witness to God’s love. As Pope Francis often reminds us, there are more martyrs today than in the early Church. Being a witness isn’t just about holding onto a belief; it’s about living out and speaking the truth of God’s love every day.



In the Acts of the Apostles, we see Stephen facing false accusations with courage and grace, filled with the Holy Spirit. He responds to injustice with wisdom and counters lies with truth. Stephen lived and died for Christ, entrusting his spirit to God and even praying for the forgiveness of those who persecuted him. His love extended even to his enemies, mirroring the limitless love of God.



The proximity of the feast of St. Stephen to Christmas reminds us that the coming of the Prince of Peace is no guarantee of an untroubled life for his followers. Just the opposite in fact: Jesus promised his followers that they would have struggles, that they would have to pick up and carry crosses, just like him.