Feast of Saint Stephen

“Stephen, filled with grace and power, was working great wonders and signs among the people. Certain members of the so-called Synagogue of Freedmen, Cyrenians, and Alexandrians, and people from Cilicia and Asia, came forward and debated with Stephen, but they could not withstand the wisdom and the spirit with which he spoke. When they heard this, they were infuriated, and they ground their teeth at him. 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, and he said, "Behold, I see the heavens opened and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God." But they cried out in a loud voice, covered their ears, and rushed upon him together. They threw him out of the city, and began to stone him. The witnesses laid down their cloaks at the feet of a young man named Saul. As they were stoning Stephen, he called out "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” -Acts 6:8-10; 7:54-59
 
The number of Christian martyrs is estimated to be from a little over 14,000 to 70 million, but regardless of the actual number, there must be some uniting string that ties them together.
 
Martyrs know an undeniable truth that remains hidden from many of us. They see another world that encompasses and overshadows this one, one that is more real and truer than this world ever could be.
 
The Holy Spirit fortifies the martyrs with His Truth and opens their eyes to the Lord. They see that this world is but a blip in time. They understand there is another place, more real than this, where the Holy Trinity awaits their return. My friends, this truth is absolute. This other world is real, and when the Holy Spirit fills a soul, martyrdom becomes not a punishment but a rewarding crown.
 
Wishing you all the blessings of Christmas.

(Humor is not lost on me; it may sound like I'm saying, "Merry Christmas, Hope you die! That isn't exactly what I'm saying, but... I don't pick the timing of the readings or the feast days ;-)
 
Saint Stephen, pray for us.
 
Click on the link for the Daily Reading.
 
Jesus, I trust in you.