St. Stephen was filled with the Holy Spirit. He was a man of courage, able to speak the truth even to the point of laying down his life for Jesus. St. Stephen’s opponents, unable to answer him in debate because of the Spirit’s wisdom, do away with him. Like Jesus, he submits his life to God and prays for forgiveness for his murderers. Jesus warns us that if we truly follow him, we too would face persecution and even death. Our faithful endurance, however, will also win us a share in his glory. Many Christians around the world still suffer persecution. Some even face martyrdom. In our increasingly secularised world, it is costly to be a Christian. Are we prepared to face martyrdom to share in Jesus’ glory? What fuels us to give our lives to Jesus? It is our fidelity to the mission of Jesus and our love for Jesus even through persecution. The path of following Jesus is the way of the cross. We receive abundant blessings when we walk with the Lord Jesus.

Abba Father, may we fearlessly bear witness to the truth. Amen.