HOMILY FOR FEAST OF ST STEPHEN – FIRST MARTYR (YEAR B)
THEME: Faith with Courage, Conviction, and Love
BY: Fr. Anthony O. Ezeaputa
Today, we celebrate the feast of Saint Stephen, the first martyr. In the Acts of the Apostles (6:8-10; 7:54-59), we hear about Stephen’s courage and faith as he faces persecution and death.
We are also reminded of Jesus’ words in Matthew’s Gospel (10:17-22), where he tells his disciples that they will be handed over to authorities and persecuted because of his name.
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During the Armenian Genocide, a young priest named Father Komitas was arrested and sent to a concentration camp. Despite the horrors he witnessed and the suffering he endured, Father Komitas remained steadfast in his faith and continued to minister to his fellow prisoners. He even forgives his tormentors and prays for their souls. Like Saint Stephen, Father Komitas’ courage and faith in the face of persecution inspired others to stand up for their beliefs and remain true to their faith.
Stephen’s story and Father Komitas’ story teach us about the power of faith and the importance of standing up for what we believe in, even in the face of adversity. Their witness inspires us to be bold and courageous in our own faith journey.
As we reflect on Stephen’s martyrdom, let us remember that our Christian faith is not a guarantee of an easy life but a call to follow Jesus, who himself faced persecution and death. May we be strengthened by Stephen’s example and the words of Jesus, and may we remain faithful to our Lord, even in the face of challenge and hardship.
Let us pray for the grace to be faithful witnesses to the Gospel, just like Saint Stephen and Father Komitas. May we be filled with the Holy Spirit and courageously share the love of Christ with others, even in the midst of adversity.
May Saint Stephen’s feast day inspire us to live out our faith with courage, conviction, and love. Amen.
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