Readings: Psalm 31 and Acts 6:8 – 7:60
Steve Baird
Stephen’s powerful ministry was characterized by signs and miracles. He was definitely having an effect, which did not go unnoticed by certain groups of the Jews. His wisdom and persuasiveness only increased their fury. Unable to rebut his testimony, they conspired to accuse him of speaking “blasphemous words against Moses and God”. They stirred up the people, including the elders and scribes using false claims that twisted Stephen’s words to mean that Christ would destroy the temple and change the customs delivered to Moses.
After reciting the history of Israel to firmly establish that his testimony was founded on the Hebrew scriptures, Stephen accused the Jews of resisting the Holy Spirit, persecuting the prophets, and neglecting to keep the law. He called them “a stiff-necked people” who had betrayed and murdered their Messiah.
Fiasella’s painting, “The Stoning of St. Stephen”depicts Stephen proclaiming his vision of the risen Christ. As he was being stoned to death, he cried out, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” Perhaps, he realized that his persecutors, his fellow Jews, were helpless in their blindness and rage, and unless they repented, they would come under God’s judgment. Stephen’s cry, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit” echoes Psalm 31, “Into your hand I commit my spirit; you have redeemed me, O Lord, faithful God.” (vs 5)
Let us be mindful and prayerful for the martyrs of our own time. Like Stephen, the Arab Christian martyrs killed by Isis on a Libyan beach called on Jesus as they were executed. Many Christians in the Middle East and Far East are imprisoned based on false accusations of blasphemy, or simply because they stand up for their faith.
Grant O Lord, that in all our sufferings here upon earth for the testimony of thy truth, we may steadfastly look up to heaven, and by faith behold the glory that shall be revealed; and, being filled with the Holy Ghost, may learn to love and bless our persecutors by the example of thy first martyr, Saint Stephen, who prayed for his murderers to thee, O blessed Jesus, who standest at the right the hand of God to succor all those who suffer for thee our only Mediator and Advocate. Amen BCP 1950
Hymn: “The Son of God Goes Forth to War” (Page 549 in the Episcopal Hymnal)
This hymn is associated with St. Stephen’s Day. It honors martyrs and includes the following lines:
“The martyr first whose eagle eye, could pierce beyond the grave,
Who saw his master in the sky and called on him to save:
Like him with pardon on his tongue, in midst of mortal pain.
He prayed for them who did him wrong; Who follows in his train?”