Posted by The WORD in other words (2018) by Fr Atilano Corcuera SVD – Divine Word Seminary, Tagaytay City
December 26 – Feast of Saint Stephen, the First Martyr / Octave of Christmas
Killjoy seems to be the name of this feast for just one day after December 25, the White Christmas turns into Red Christmas. But maybe not. The martyrdom of St. Stephen, in fact, underlines the meaning of the Season’s celebration; namely, Christmas is not all about lanterns, carols, wrappings, artificial lights and Santa Claus.
Christmas is all about a Savior who will give his life for us on the cross. Jesus will show us the way back to the Father by perfect obedience, even to death on the tree. And those who celebrate Christmas and give homage to the Babe in the manger, should be ready to follow him even if it means carrying one’s cross. To carry one’s cross and follow Jesus leads to joy in the Spirit. Indeed, Dec 26 does not kill joy, rather it finds and intensifies it.
St. Stephen being stoned to death is not just quite a striking scene. It is grossly horrifying and awe-inspiring. He bore no grudges upon those who would kill him. He held fast to his faith. Unmoved by false accusations, he even narrated salvation history to his killers. Such was his joy that “his face appeared to them like the face of an angel.”
This feast is a continuation of the joy of Christmas.
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