Stephen is a patron saint of deacons
Greetings on this the Feast of Saint Stephen, first martyr
Readings: Acts 6:8-10; 7:54-59; Ps 31:3cd-4, 6 and 8ab, 16bc and 17; Mt 10:17-22
Summary
Merry Christmas! The “Gloria” is sung each day during Mass (usually weekday masses do not). Glory to God in the highest! We celebrate Jesus as infant and as Savior. But what does it mean to say Glory? Specifically, Glory to God in the Highest!
Here is a piece from a renowned Jewish theologian. From Dr. Eliyahu (Eli) Lizorkin on the word Glory, honor and heaviness.
So as we sing Glory to God in the Highest this week, let us recall the weightiness and heaviness of his instruction and power. God does not speak as if for a trivial purpose but for the salvation of souls.
Reflection
In our sacred readings today, Saint Stephen reveals to us how very deeply, heavily he accepts the Lord’s glory. The saving gospel message was an imperative for him worthy of all effort even in the face of opposition and mortal danger. It is helpful to note how Stephen’s ministry begins and ends.
Stephen’s Beginning
Stephen begins with doing ‘work’ of great wonders and signs for and among the people. We should not make light of this statement as if just parlor tricks.
Keeping in alignment of the Apostles authority: They…laid hands on them: the customary Jewish way of designating persons for a task and invoking upon them the divine blessing and power to perform it (NABRE Commentary), one must conclude healing and exorcism.
Stephen’s Ending
Stephen ends with forgiveness. Then he fell to his knees and cried out in a loud voice, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them”.
Stephen’s Ministry – snapshot
- Stephen, filled with grace and power, was working great wonders and signs among the people.
- Stephen, the wisdom and the spirit with which he spoke (Stephen’s Discourses).
- Stephen, But he, filled with the Holy Spirit, looked up intently to heaven and saw the glory of God and Jesus standing at the right hand of God.
- Stephen, All those who sat in the Sanhedrin looked intently at him and saw that his face was like the face of an angel.
- As they were stoning Stephen, he called out, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.”
- Then he fell to his knees and cried out in a loud voice, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them”.
Laying of hands, doing great healing and forgiving those who harm you. It begins with the empowerment. It ends with personal humility, and forgiveness even unto death.
Personal Reflection
I am reminded to take the Lord’s glory as a substantial reality. I am, we are, empowered to heal even as the sensory visuals appear as if to be division. If grounded in the glory of God, born of love and grown with forgiveness it becomes an everlasting blessing.
Sacred Readings full text: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/122624.cfm
Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry