Feast of Saint Stephen, First Martyr

Saint Luke, in the Acts of the Apostles, offers a profound account of the Church’s first martyr, Saint Stephen. His narrative doesn’t just recount Stephen’s death—it reveals the Spirit’s power at work in the early Church. Luke’s incidental mention of a young man named Saul, standing by as Stephen is stoned, is no coincidence. It’s a divine foreshadowing. Saul, later known as Saint Paul, would become one of the Church’s greatest evangelists. The Spirit was already stirring.

The Acts of the Apostles, Luke’s second book, begins with the Ascension and the promise of the Holy Spirit. That promise is fulfilled in the upper room, and from there, the Church begins to grow—fragile, yet Spirit-filled. In those early days, the apostles recognized the need for more hands and hearts to serve. Seven men, including Stephen, were chosen as deacons recognized as men “full of the Spirit and wisdom.” Stephen’s courage, wisdom, and mercy in death mirror Christ himself. He forgave his executioners and commended his spirit to God.

Saul must have seen something in Stephen—zeal, fortitude, divine conviction. Perhaps that planted the seed for his later conversion. The Spirit was laying foundations, even in the shadow of violence.

We are challenged to trust, as in Saint Luke’s chapter in Acts. Are we confident the Holy Spirit will give us what we need in our trials? Jesus assures us: “You will be given at that moment what you are to say.” The same Spirit that strengthened Stephen and transformed Saul is alive in the Church today—and in us.

May we be open to that Spirit, bold in witness, and merciful in suffering.

Prayer:

Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners now and at the hour of our death. Amen.