Just one day after celebrating the birth of Christ, the Church turns our eyes to the first witness who died for Him. Christmas reminds us that God became man out of love. The feast of St. Stephen reminds us that true love sometimes demands everything.
Today, joy and sacrifice meet—showing us that following Christ is not always easy, but it is always worth it.
Prayer of the Day
Lord God,
You crowned St. Stephen with glory
for his faithfulness and courage.
As we rejoice in the birth of Your Son,
strengthen us to follow Him without fear,
to speak truth with love,
and to forgive even when it costs us deeply.
May the witness of St. Stephen
teach us to trust You in every trial
and to remain faithful until the end.
Through Christ our Lord.
Amen
Mass Readings of the Day
First Reading
Acts 6:8–10; 7:54–59
Stephen, filled with the Holy Spirit, proclaims Christ boldly and forgives his persecutors as he is martyred.
Responsorial Psalm
Psalm 31:3cd–4, 6 and 8ab, 16bc–17
R. Into your hands, O Lord, I commend my spirit.
Gospel Reading
Matthew 10:17–22
You will be hated by all because of my name, but whoever endures to the end will be saved.
Saint of the Day – St. Stephen — The First Martyr
St. Stephen was one of the first seven deacons chosen by the early Church to serve the poor and assist the apostles. But Stephen did more than serve—he preached with power, wisdom, and fire from the Holy Spirit.
His words cut hearts. Unable to silence him with debate, his enemies accused him falsely. Dragged before the council, Stephen did not defend himself—he proclaimed Christ boldly.
As stones were raised against him, Stephen looked up and saw heaven opened and Jesus standing at the right hand of the Father.
With his final breath, he prayed:
Lord Jesus, receive my spirit… Lord, do not hold this sin against them
Stephen died as Christ lived—forgiving, trusting, loving.
His death planted seeds that would later bloom in the heart of one young man watching the execution: Saul, who would become St. Paul.
10 Facts About St. Stephen
- St. Stephen is the first Christian martyr.
- He was one of the first deacons of the Church.
- His story appears in the Acts of the Apostles.
- He was known for wisdom and miracles.
- He boldly preached Jesus as the Messiah.
- He was falsely accused of blasphemy.
- He saw a vision of Christ in heaven before dying.
- He forgave his killers while being stoned.
- St. Paul witnessed his martyrdom.
- He is the patron saint of deacons, altar servers, and persecuted Christians
