The day after Christmas the Church gives us a graphic reminder that embracing and living the faith isn't just cuddling a baby, but requires walking in darkness and suffering. St. Stephen, the first martyr, was a deacon chosen to help with the distribution of food to widows and the poor. While exercising that duty he performed signs and wonders that amazed the community.
His actions inflamed the Jewish people who dragged him before the Sanhedrin accusing him falsely of blasphemy. How did he respond? He delivered a passionate review of God's covenant with His chosen people from the time of Abraham.
Stephen reminded the court of how the prophets were persecuted and killed by the religious leaders of their time. Then he described them as "stiff-necked" people with "uncircumcised hearts." Rage engulfed them and they dragged him out of the city and stoned him. As he was dying heaven opened to him and he received a vision of Jesus sitting at the right hand of God. His last words were, "Lord, lay not this charge against them." Their hatred could not arose in him a like spirit of anger and revenge. Read his address to the Sanhedrin in Acts chapter 7.
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What a model St. Stephen is for us in this valley of tears! All persecution and suffering is an invitation to join Jesus Christ on the cross, stretch our arms out and embrace our enemies and all those who wish evil upon us and treat us with contempt.
Christmas is a hard time for many as they suffer with grief over the loss of loved ones from death, political differences, misunderstandings, estrangements, etc. Today is the day to take the consolation of the crib and unite it to the suffering of the cross. Consolation is a wonderful state to be in, but desolation is a precious sign from God that He wants a closer walk with us. It's a good day to pray the litany of humility and accept everything in our lives as coming from the loving hand of God!
LITANY OF HUMILITY
O Jesus, meek and humble of heart,
Hear me.
From the desire of being esteemed,
Deliver me, O Jesus.
From the desire of being loved,
Deliver me, O Jesus.
From the desire of being extolled,
Deliver me, O Jesus.
From the desire of being honored,
Deliver me, O Jesus.
From the desire of being praised,
Deliver me, O Jesus.
From the desire of being preferred to others,
Deliver me, O Jesus.
From the desire of being consulted,
Deliver me, O Jesus.
From the desire of being approved,
Deliver me, O Jesus.
From the fear of being humiliated,
Deliver me, O Jesus.
From the fear of being despised,
Deliver me, O Jesus.
From the fear of suffering rebukes,
Deliver me, O Jesus.
From the fear of being calumniated,
Deliver me, O Jesus.
From the fear of being forgotten,
Deliver me, O Jesus.
From the fear of being ridiculed,
Deliver me, O Jesus.
From the fear of being wronged,
Deliver me, O Jesus.
From the fear of being suspected,
Deliver me, O Jesus.
That others may be loved more than I,
Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it.
That others may be esteemed more than I,
Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it.
That, in the opinion of the world, others may increase and I may decrease,
Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it.
That others may be chosen and I set aside,
Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it.
That others may be praised and I go unnoticed,
Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it.
That others may be preferred to me in everything,
Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it.
That others may become holier than I, provided that I may become as holy as I should,
Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it.
St. Stephen, first martyr of the Church, pray for us.
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