December 26, 2025 • 26 mins
We trace Saint Stephen’s path from humble service to fearless witness, exploring how Eucharistic faith, Scriptural depth, and Marian surrender formed a mercy that forgave amid stones. We share practical ways to anchor courage in prayer and live a bold, charitable Catholic life.
• why Stephen was chosen as a deacon and what that reveals about service rooted in prayer
• how the choosing of the seven set a model for diakonia
• Stephen’s Scripture-soaked preaching and fearless charity
• the Sanhedrin trial and the vision of Christ in glory
• martyrdom as mercy and forgiveness as strength
• Eucharistic foundations of courage and witness
• Marian echoes of total surrender and trust
• living bold faith amid modern cultural pressure
• practical steps to embody Stephen’s legacy today
Be sure to click the link in the description for special news item, and since there is more to this article, finish reading and check out the special offer
Visit journeysoffaith.com website today
Open by Steve Bailey
Journeys of Faith brings your Super Saints Podcasts
***Our Core Beliefs***
- The Eucharist is the Source and Summit of our Faith." Catechism 132 Click Here
- “This is the will of God, your sanctification.” 1Thessalonians 4“ Click Here
- ... lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven...” Matthew 6:19-2 Click Here
- The Goal is Heaven Click Here
- Please consider subscribing to this podcast or making a donation to Journeys of Faith we are actively increasing our reach and we are seeing good results for visitors under 40! Help us Grow!
- Buy Me a cup of Coffee
Why you should shop here at Journeys of Faith official site!
- Lowest Prices and Higher discounts...
Mark as Played
Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
SPEAKER_00 (00:11):
Hello, family.
Welcome to Journeys of FaithSuper Saints Podcast.
It's Brother Joseph FryAldenhoven here at your service.
Be sure to look at thedescription for special
information of interest to youand walking in Saint Stephen's
footsteps.
Courageous witness for modernCatholics.
Standing at the genesis ofChristian martyrdom, Saint
(00:33):
Stephen is a name that glimmerswith holy boldness and zealous
love for Christ, echoing downthe centuries to challenge each
of us today.
In a world often inhospitable togospel truth, his witness is not
simply the account of thechurch's proto martyr, it is a
blazing invitation to everyCatholic soul hungering for
(00:56):
sanctification.
How did a young deacon setablaze by the Holy Spirit find
both the strength and theserenity to forgive his
persecutors while stones rainedupon him?
And what does this courageousfidelity mean for us modern
Catholics, navigating the crosscurrents of a secular age,
(01:17):
striving to store up treasuresnot of earth but of heaven?
At journeys of faith, themission entrusted to us by Bob
and Penny Lord is clear, to walkwith the saints, to live in
radical fidelity to theEucharist, and to be bold
torchbearers of the truths thathave transformed generation
after generation.
Whether you're journeying as aparish group, as a seeker,
(01:39):
retracing the holy sites fromyour living room, or as a store
owner sifting for resources thatare both beautiful and orthodox,
the life of Saint Stephen offersa radiant path, a model not of
compromise, but of courage,loyalty to Holy Mother Church,
and a deep yearning for heavenlyglory.
(02:01):
Let us together walk in SaintStephen's footsteps, discovering
how his witness can ignite ourlove for Christ, embolden our
faith, and draw us ever deeperinto the heart of the church and
the mystery of holiness.
Early life and call to service.
Saint Stephen's story burstsforth from the earliest days of
(02:22):
the church, woven into the bookof Acts, not just as history,
but as living fire for theheart.
Long before his name was foreverpaired with courage and
martyrdom, Stephen was a manchosen from among the faithful,
his soul alight with love forChrist and his church, the
apostles, discerning the depthsof his faith, wisdom, and
(02:44):
spiritual zeal, entrusted himwith a sacred mission to serve
the communities most vulnerable,ensuring the daily distribution
to widows and the needy.
This was no small honor to servein the first ranks of the
church's deacons was to be setapart, a vessel of God's mercy
(03:04):
and charity on the very frontlines.
Stephen's sanctity shown notmerely in practical service but
in the supernatural life thatradiated through him.
Scripture tells us he was fullof grace and power, working
wonders and signs among thepeople.
His voice echoed the truth ofChrist with such conviction that
even his adversaries could notwithstand the wisdom and spirit
(03:28):
with which he spoke.
In him the early church found amodel of self-giving, undivided
loyalty to the gospel andunwavering commitment to
treasures in heaven over thefleeting comforts of this world.
For those pursuing holiness,Stephen's call to service was
and remains an invitation topour ourselves out for others,
(03:49):
to let Christ shine throughevery act of love, no matter how
humble.
Take the next step in yourjourney of faith.
Stephen's courageous witnesscalls each of us to a bolder,
more sanctified Catholic life.
At Journeys of Faith, we believeevery heart is made for
holiness, and every pilgrimneeds both guidance and tools to
(04:10):
enrich their walk with Christand his church.
Are you ready to answer thecall?
Explore our spiritually richofferings of virtual
pilgrimages, experience sacreddestinations from your home,
deepen your devotion to theEucharist and Our Lady through
armchair pilgrimages filmed atholy sites, Orthodox books and
(04:32):
resources, learn the heroicstories of saints like Saint
Stephen, discover Eucharisticmiracles and receive faithful
teachings loyal to themagisterium, Catholic gifts and
devotional items, find hundredsof unique items from saint
medals and statues to bulkrosaries designed to inspire
sanctity in homes, classrooms,or parishes, retreats and prayer
(04:54):
opportunities, discover the HolyFamily mission, an oasis for
groups and individuals seekingpeace, prayer, and deeper union
with the Lord.
Join the family, sign up for ournewsletter, receive exclusive
daily deals, spiritualreflections, and early access to
(05:19):
our latest resources.
Let journeys of faith accompanyyou as you walk in the footsteps
of the saints striving alwaysfor treasures in heaven, the
choosing of the seven deacons.
The Acts of the Apostles givesus one of the most moving and
instructive scenes for all wholong to live the fullness of
Christian holiness, the choosingof the first seven deacons.
(05:42):
As the infant church flourishedin Jerusalem, friction arose,
devout followers were concernedthat the widows of
Greek-speaking Christians werebeing neglected in the daily
distribution of food.
The apostles filled with wisdomand the Holy Spirit, yet
burdened with the demands ofrapid growth, discerned a holy
solution.
Rather than allowing discord tocreep in, Saint Peter and the
(06:05):
other apostles called the wholecommunity together and
proclaimed, It is not right thatwe should give up preaching the
word of God to serve tables.
Thus, with Apher's apostolicboldness but deep pastoral
concern, they directed thefaithful.
Pick out from among you sevenmen of good repute, full of the
(06:26):
spirit and of wisdom, whom wemay appoint to this duty, while
we will devote ourselves toprayer and to the ministry of
the Word.
Acts six, two to four RSVCE.
Among these first seven, SaintStephen stood out.
His selection was not a matterof mere competence, but clearly
one of sanctity.
(06:47):
He was known to be full of faithand of the Holy Spirit.
Acts six five.
In the gentle but powerful actof ordaining deacons, the church
modeled what true service means,to place holiness above
convenience and divine charityover mere function.
It is easy in our modernbusyness to let practical
concerns obscure the higher callof sanctity.
(07:09):
Yet the early church, guided bythe Holy Spirit, entrusted Saint
Stephen and his companions witha mission of service rooted in
prayer and imbued withsupernatural love.
Their ministry was not simplyadministrative, it was diaconal,
sacrificial, and an offering toGod Himself.
Imagine the grace and peace thatmust have filled that room when
(07:32):
the apostles in prayer andlaying on of hands conferred
this special ministry.
The community did not just solvea logistical problem, they set
into motion a living example ofChrist like service where the
treasures of heaven are soughtwith every act of love, and
where to serve the least is toserve the Lord Himself.
(07:53):
Saint Stephen, by embracing thisholy call, becomes a model for
all believers, those willing tobe set apart, filled with the
Holy Spirit, and to lay downtheir lives for the sake of the
gospel.
Stephen's spirit-filledpreaching.
Saint Stephen's preaching wasablaze with the fire of the Holy
Spirit.
In the Acts of the Apostles, wewitness a deacon who was not
(08:16):
merely articulate or persuasive,but truly anointed.
His words pierced hearts becausethey flowed from a soul steeped
in prayer, fervent love, andunwavering loyalty to Christ and
his church.
Every syllable echoed theteachings of Jesus, drawing upon
the fulfillment of the OldTestament and joyfully
proclaiming the newness of thegospel.
(08:38):
Stephen's proclamation was amodel for every Catholic who
desires holiness.
He did not compromise, nor didhe bend to societal pressure.
Filled with supernaturalcourage, he boldly told the
truth, even when it meantenraging the leaders who would
later martyr him.
Yet Stephen's tone was never oneof arrogance, rather, it was
(09:00):
steeped in charity and concernfor the salvation of all.
His defense before the Sanhedrinwas marked by a remarkable
synthesis, fidelity to sacredscripture, bold evangelization,
and loving exhortation torepentance and faith.
(09:20):
This same spirit filled zeal isthe mark of the saints through
the ages and ought to animateevery Catholic who seeks
treasures in heaven.
Stephen's preaching is atestament.
Holiness is dynamic, contagious,unafraid.
Let us look to his example,begging the Holy Spirit for that
same fortitude and clarity, soour witness may also shine in a
(09:44):
world desperate for truth andsanctity.
Confrontation before theSanhedrin.
The account of Saint Stephen'strial before the Sanhedrin is
nothing short of riveting, ascene pulsing with holy tension,
brought before the most powerfulreligious tribunal of his day.
Stephen stands as the model ofCatholic bravery, surrounded by
(10:08):
accusers and the weight of humanauthority.
He is not blinded by fear orenticed by compromise.
Instead, filled with the HolySpirit, he boldly proclaims the
truth, tracing Israel's sacredhistory and unveiling the hard
reality of their rejection ofGod's prophets, including the
righteous one Jesus Christ.
(10:29):
Stephen's words are not mererhetoric, they are aflame with
conviction, saturated withfidelity to divine revelation.
He unveils how the treasures ofheaven surpass any earthly
standing, and how true loyaltyis owed to God above all.
Even as false witnesses twisthis speech, Stephen's gaze
(10:50):
remains fixed on heaven, hisheart burning for
sanctification, his witnessechoing the teachings preserved
by the magisterium and cherishedby faithful souls.
Here in the echo of that stonepillared hall, Catholics of
every era encounter the standardof courageous witness.
Stephen's testimony is not justa historical episode, it is an
(11:14):
invitation to echo his bravery,to speak God's truth when
challenged, to lift our eyes toChrist in the face of
persecution, knowing that thetrials of this world are nothing
compared to the imperishablecrowns awaiting us in eternity.
The vision of Christ at theright hand of the Father.
(11:35):
Saint Stephen's final testimonyresounds through the centuries.
Behold, I see the heavens openedand the Son of Man standing at
the right hand of God, Acts7.56.
Tradition tells us that thisvision wasn't merely consolation
for soul under assault, it was aluminous, resplendent profession
of faith in the divinity andglory of Christ, revealed in a
(11:58):
moment of supreme trial.
For Catholics striving forholiness today, Stephen's vision
is both invitation andchallenge.
Standing before persecutors,Stephen's gaze wasn't fixed on
earthly vindication or fleetingsafety.
His eyes, undivided andundistracted, pierced the thin
veil between earth and heaven.
(12:20):
He witnessed the eternalkingship of Jesus interceding
for him at the very throne ofGod.
This glimpse is the treasure inheaven for which we too must
yearn, a sanctified vision thatsustains us in suffering,
imbuing even our most bittermoments with purpose and hope.
(12:40):
Notice too how Stephen beheldthe Lord not seated but
standing, a king rising in honorof his faithful witness.
The church fathers perceive thisas Christ himself coming to meet
his martyr, displaying aboundless solidarity with those
who bear courageous witness inevery trial, every quiet act of
(13:04):
fidelity, every defense of thetruth.
Catholics are invited torecognize Christ at the right
hand of the Father, attentive,compassionate, awaiting our
steadfast yes.
Let this vision ignite within usa hunger for sanctification and
the courage to boldly professour faith.
When earthly eyes see onlypersecution or confusion, the
(13:27):
Catholic heart must look higherto the heavenly liturgy where
Christ reigns, where every actof witness is crowned, and where
true glory awaits the firstmartyrdom and its impact on the
church.
(13:48):
The stones that struck SaintStephen were not merely vicious
projectiles, they thunderedforth the birth pangs of
courageous witness, a new agefor the church, marked by
fidelity and sanctity.
Stephen, full of grace andpower, bore the fullness of his
vocation on his shoulders, Acts6 8.
(14:08):
His eloquent proclamation ofChrist spoken before the
Sanhedrin and sealed with hisfinal breath, revealed an
unwavering loyalty to truth,even in the face of mortal
danger.
This moment of martyrdom,Stephen's uttering, Lord, do not
hold this sin against them, seta supernatural standard for all
who would follow Christ.
(14:29):
Acts 7.60.
Here is a man conformedperfectly to the master, echoing
the words spoken from the cross.
His death was not an isolatedtragedy, but the seed of the
church's enduring boldness.
From the very beginning,Christians understood to bear
witness to the risen Lord meansrisking everything for holiness,
(14:53):
for heavenly treasures that mothand rust cannot destroy.
Saint Stephen's sacrificeinspired awe and conversion,
including in time within theheart of Saul who witnessed the
stoning.
The church was galvanized,scattering from Jerusalem but
growing even stronger, carryingthe gospel to Sir in Farm Cine
(15:17):
Ferdi Tears Dare Tear and Dur.
In every age, the memory of theproto-martyr calls out to us
true witness, does not merelyendure suffering, it transforms
it.
This is the path ofsanctification, the heavenly
inheritance promised to all whoremain steadfast to the end of
(15:38):
forgiveness amid stones, lessonsin mercy.
Saint Stephen's martyrdom is ascene ablaze with both
humanity's fury and heaven'speace.
As stones rained down, theproto-martyr first to die for
Christ did not lash out in fearor anger.
Instead, filled with the HolySpirit, he looked upward and
cried, Lord, do not hold thissin against them.
(16:01):
Acts seven sixty.
Here is a lesson for everyCatholic soul striving for
sanctification.
True strength, the strength thesaints possess, is inseparable
from mercy.
When a world quick to condemnand slow to forgive, Saint
Stephen's mercy echoes Christhimself on the cross.
The crowd's hatred could havekindled bitterness, but
(16:23):
Stephen's heart blazed only withChrist's compassion.
For the modern disciple, theinvitation is clear.
When we are hurt, misunderstood,or even persecuted for our
fidelity, we are called not tovengeance but to supernatural
charity.
But forgiveness such as this isnever automatic.
It is born from deep communionwith Jesus in the Eucharist,
(16:47):
nurtured by prayer and suffusedwith hope for treasures not of
this world.
Mercy sanctifies the soul, healswounds, and releases heaven's
grace.
In forgiving our enemies webecome living witnesses to
Christ, building up the body ofChrist and storing up treasures
where neither rust nor stone canever touch them.
(17:07):
Saint Stephen's witness piercesthe hardness of human hearts,
teaching us that holiness isforged with every act of mercy,
every prayer for those whooppose or misunderstand us.
The road to heaven may be strewnwith trials, yet the power to
forgive transforms each hurdleinto a stepping stone toward
(17:28):
eternal glory.
Stephen and the theology of theEucharist.
Stephen was a deacon, chosen forhis wisdom and faith, but above
(17:52):
all for his profound union withthe Lord.
In the Acts of the Apostles, wesee him filled with grace and
power radiating the Holy Spiritas he stood before his accusers.
Acts 6 8 10.
What pulses beneath Stephen'swords and actions is a soul
(18:13):
consumed by Christ, shaped bythe graces that flow from the
Eucharist.
To contemplate Saint Stephen isto contemplate the self-giving
love made flesh in theEucharist.
In the breaking of bread,Stephen found the strength to
imitate the crucified, absorbingslander, false accusation, and
violence, and yet respondingwith mercy and prayer for his
(18:35):
persecutors, his martyrdom is aliving commentary on the Lord's
command, do this in remembranceof me.
The very language of Stephen'slast words, Lord, do not hold
this sin against them echoesChrist from the cross, revealing
a heart made Eucharistic bytotal surrender and love.
(19:01):
For pilgrims pursuing sanctity,Stephen stands as an untarnished
beacon of Eucharistic faith.
He models the call to offer ourlives as a living sacrifice,
holy and acceptable to God,Romans 12 1, in a world tempted
by comfort, convenience, andcompromise, his example urges us
(19:21):
to center our lives around thealtar, drawing courage and
charity from the real presenceof Christ.
May every Catholic incontemplating Stephen pray for
the courage to receive andbecome what they adore, a
courageous, luminous sign ofChrist's love to the world.
Mary and resonances in Stephen'switness, contemplating the life
(19:46):
and martyrdom of Saint Stephen,the church's proto-martyr, we
perceive deep resonances withthe life and fiat of the Blessed
Virgin Mary.
Though they stood at differentcrossroads in salvation history,
both Mary and Stephen model anunwavering yes to the will of
(20:08):
God in a scent rooted incourage, humility, And an
interior life flooded withgrace.
Saint Stephen faced an angrycrowd, his words burning with
the fire of the Spirit, hisheart anchored beyond the fear
of worldly loss.
Here we see an echo of Mary'sbold, let it be done unto me
according to your word.
(20:28):
Luke 1 38, spoken unreservedlybefore the mystery of God's
plan.
Mary risked her reputation andvery life for the incarnation.
Similarly, Stephen riskedeverything to bear witness to
the truth he knew.
Christ crucified and risen.
In both saints, we find thisMarian spirit, the gaze fixed on
(20:52):
eternity, treasures sought noton earth but in heaven.
Mary pondered all things in herimmaculate heart.
Stephen, filled with the HolySpirit, saw heaven opened and
the Son of Man standing at theright hand of God, Acts 7.56.
Their witness invites modernCatholics to imitate this
supernatural perspective, to seebeyond the world's passing fears
(21:15):
and sufferings, to entrustourselves wholly to God's
providence.
Both Mary and Stephen teach usto be docile to the Holy Spirit.
Mary's life was a continualsurrender.
Behold, I am the handmaid of theLord.
Stephen, glowing with divinecourage, mirrored this childlike
trust as he forgave hispersecutors, echoing Mary's
(21:36):
intercessory love at the foot ofthe cross.
In today's world where the costof discipleship can feel
dawning, their examples shinewith a Marian light, courage
unto death, gentleness inadversity, and an unquenchable
longing for sanctity in thetreasures of heaven.
Courage in the face of culturalopposition.
(21:57):
Saint Stephen stands as aneverlasting beacon for all
Catholics called to bear boldwitness in a world that often
distances itself from Christ andhis church.
The Acts of the Apostles depictshow Stephen, full of grace and
fortitude, did not hesitate toproclaim the truth, even as
angry crowds raged against himand false accusations threatened
(22:19):
his very life.
The authorities demandedsilence, the culture pressed for
compromise, but Stephen refusedto betray the gospel.
His unwavering loyalty untodeath challenges us to ask, with
what courage do we confront ourown cultural Goliaths?
For Catholics today, courage ismore than a virtue, it becomes a
spiritual necessity.
(22:40):
From college campuses tocorporate boardrooms, faithful
Catholics encounter skepticism,caricature, and even hostility
for upholding the teachings ofChrist and his church.
In these moments we are invitedto invoke the steadfastness of
Saint Stephen, to speak Christ'sname with gentle strength, to
love radically in the face ofridicule, and to hold fast to
(23:02):
the wisdom and treasure of themagisterium, regardless of
shifting trends around us.
Like Stephen before theSanhedrin, we are called to look
heavenward not just with oureyes, but deep within our
hearts, seeking the glory of Godabove earthly reward.
When we feel the pressure toblend in or water down our
(23:23):
witness, we recall Stephen'sheavenly gaze and his vision of
Christ at the right hand of theFather.
In doing so, we are emboldenedto claim our own place among the
great cloud of witnesses,storing up treasures not on
earth but in heaven, whereChrist is seated forever in
glory.
May Saint Stephen remind us thatholiness is not for the faint of
(23:45):
heart, and that sanctificationflourishes most when the world
pushes back.
Embracing Saint Stephen'slegacy, walking boldly toward
holiness.
As we reflect on the luminoustestimony of Saint Stephen, the
Church's first martyr, we aresummoned to consider the cost
and the glory of wholehearteddiscipleship.
(24:08):
His courageous witness is not arelic of the past, but a living
call for each of us here and nowto prize the treasures of heaven
above all earthly comfort.
In a world often hostile totruth, Stephen's unwavering
loyalty to Christ and the Churchshines like a beacon, inviting
(24:28):
us to stand firm in the fullnessof our Catholic faith.
At journeys of faith inspired byBob and Penny Lord and rooted in
Eucharistic and Marian devotion,we strive to journey alongside
all who wish to sanctify theirdaily lives.
Like Saint Stephen, may we drawstrength from the sacraments and
the communion of saints, findingcourage to proclaim the gospel,
(24:51):
whether among friends, family,or strangers.
Let us pray for the grace toforgive, to love, and to witness
with joy, knowing our true homeis with Christ in glory.
Brothers and sisters, let uswalk boldly in Saint Stephen's
footsteps.
May our hearts and actions echohis prayer.
(25:13):
Lord, do not hold this sinagainst them.
In this way we store up eternaltreasures and blaze a trail of
holiness for others to follow.
Be sure to click the link in thedescription for special news
item, and since there is more tothis article, finish reading and
check out the special offer.
(25:34):
Visit journeysoffaith.comwebsite today.
Hello, family.
Welcome to Journeys of FaithSuper Saints Podcast.
It's Brother Joseph FryAldenhoven here at your service.
Be sure to look at thedescription for special
information of interest to youand walking in Saint Stephen's
footsteps.
Courageous witness for modernCatholics.
Standing at the genesis ofChristian martyrdom, Saint
(00:33):
Stephen is a name that glimmerswith holy boldness and zealous
love for Christ, echoing downthe centuries to challenge each
of us today.
In a world often inhospitable togospel truth, his witness is not
simply the account of thechurch's proto martyr, it is a
blazing invitation to everyCatholic soul hungering for
(00:56):
sanctification.
How did a young deacon setablaze by the Holy Spirit find
both the strength and theserenity to forgive his
persecutors while stones rainedupon him?
And what does this courageousfidelity mean for us modern
Catholics, navigating the crosscurrents of a secular age,
(01:17):
striving to store up treasuresnot of earth but of heaven?
At journeys of faith, themission entrusted to us by Bob
and Penny Lord is clear, to walkwith the saints, to live in
radical fidelity to theEucharist, and to be bold
torchbearers of the truths thathave transformed generation
after generation.
Whether you're journeying as aparish group, as a seeker,
(01:39):
retracing the holy sites fromyour living room, or as a store
owner sifting for resources thatare both beautiful and orthodox,
the life of Saint Stephen offersa radiant path, a model not of
compromise, but of courage,loyalty to Holy Mother Church,
and a deep yearning for heavenlyglory.
(02:01):
Let us together walk in SaintStephen's footsteps, discovering
how his witness can ignite ourlove for Christ, embolden our
faith, and draw us ever deeperinto the heart of the church and
the mystery of holiness.
Early life and call to service.
Saint Stephen's story burstsforth from the earliest days of
(02:22):
the church, woven into the bookof Acts, not just as history,
but as living fire for theheart.
Long before his name was foreverpaired with courage and
martyrdom, Stephen was a manchosen from among the faithful,
his soul alight with love forChrist and his church, the
apostles, discerning the depthsof his faith, wisdom, and
(02:44):
spiritual zeal, entrusted himwith a sacred mission to serve
the communities most vulnerable,ensuring the daily distribution
to widows and the needy.
This was no small honor to servein the first ranks of the
church's deacons was to be setapart, a vessel of God's mercy
(03:04):
and charity on the very frontlines.
Stephen's sanctity shown notmerely in practical service but
in the supernatural life thatradiated through him.
Scripture tells us he was fullof grace and power, working
wonders and signs among thepeople.
His voice echoed the truth ofChrist with such conviction that
even his adversaries could notwithstand the wisdom and spirit
(03:28):
with which he spoke.
In him the early church found amodel of self-giving, undivided
loyalty to the gospel andunwavering commitment to
treasures in heaven over thefleeting comforts of this world.
For those pursuing holiness,Stephen's call to service was
and remains an invitation topour ourselves out for others,
(03:49):
to let Christ shine throughevery act of love, no matter how
humble.
Take the next step in yourjourney of faith.
Stephen's courageous witnesscalls each of us to a bolder,
more sanctified Catholic life.
At Journeys of Faith, we believeevery heart is made for
holiness, and every pilgrimneeds both guidance and tools to
(04:10):
enrich their walk with Christand his church.
Are you ready to answer thecall?
Explore our spiritually richofferings of virtual
pilgrimages, experience sacreddestinations from your home,
deepen your devotion to theEucharist and Our Lady through
armchair pilgrimages filmed atholy sites, Orthodox books and
(04:32):
resources, learn the heroicstories of saints like Saint
Stephen, discover Eucharisticmiracles and receive faithful
teachings loyal to themagisterium, Catholic gifts and
devotional items, find hundredsof unique items from saint
medals and statues to bulkrosaries designed to inspire
sanctity in homes, classrooms,or parishes, retreats and prayer
(04:54):
opportunities, discover the HolyFamily mission, an oasis for
groups and individuals seekingpeace, prayer, and deeper union
with the Lord.
Join the family, sign up for ournewsletter, receive exclusive
daily deals, spiritualreflections, and early access to
(05:19):
our latest resources.
Let journeys of faith accompanyyou as you walk in the footsteps
of the saints striving alwaysfor treasures in heaven, the
choosing of the seven deacons.
The Acts of the Apostles givesus one of the most moving and
instructive scenes for all wholong to live the fullness of
Christian holiness, the choosingof the first seven deacons.
(05:42):
As the infant church flourishedin Jerusalem, friction arose,
devout followers were concernedthat the widows of
Greek-speaking Christians werebeing neglected in the daily
distribution of food.
The apostles filled with wisdomand the Holy Spirit, yet
burdened with the demands ofrapid growth, discerned a holy
solution.
Rather than allowing discord tocreep in, Saint Peter and the
(06:05):
other apostles called the wholecommunity together and
proclaimed, It is not right thatwe should give up preaching the
word of God to serve tables.
Thus, with Apher's apostolicboldness but deep pastoral
concern, they directed thefaithful.
Pick out from among you sevenmen of good repute, full of the
(06:26):
spirit and of wisdom, whom wemay appoint to this duty, while
we will devote ourselves toprayer and to the ministry of
the Word.
Acts six, two to four RSVCE.
Among these first seven, SaintStephen stood out.
His selection was not a matterof mere competence, but clearly
one of sanctity.
(06:47):
He was known to be full of faithand of the Holy Spirit.
Acts six five.
In the gentle but powerful actof ordaining deacons, the church
modeled what true service means,to place holiness above
convenience and divine charityover mere function.
It is easy in our modernbusyness to let practical
concerns obscure the higher callof sanctity.
(07:09):
Yet the early church, guided bythe Holy Spirit, entrusted Saint
Stephen and his companions witha mission of service rooted in
prayer and imbued withsupernatural love.
Their ministry was not simplyadministrative, it was diaconal,
sacrificial, and an offering toGod Himself.
Imagine the grace and peace thatmust have filled that room when
(07:32):
the apostles in prayer andlaying on of hands conferred
this special ministry.
The community did not just solvea logistical problem, they set
into motion a living example ofChrist like service where the
treasures of heaven are soughtwith every act of love, and
where to serve the least is toserve the Lord Himself.
(07:53):
Saint Stephen, by embracing thisholy call, becomes a model for
all believers, those willing tobe set apart, filled with the
Holy Spirit, and to lay downtheir lives for the sake of the
gospel.
Stephen's spirit-filledpreaching.
Saint Stephen's preaching wasablaze with the fire of the Holy
Spirit.
In the Acts of the Apostles, wewitness a deacon who was not
(08:16):
merely articulate or persuasive,but truly anointed.
His words pierced hearts becausethey flowed from a soul steeped
in prayer, fervent love, andunwavering loyalty to Christ and
his church.
Every syllable echoed theteachings of Jesus, drawing upon
the fulfillment of the OldTestament and joyfully
proclaiming the newness of thegospel.
(08:38):
Stephen's proclamation was amodel for every Catholic who
desires holiness.
He did not compromise, nor didhe bend to societal pressure.
Filled with supernaturalcourage, he boldly told the
truth, even when it meantenraging the leaders who would
later martyr him.
Yet Stephen's tone was never oneof arrogance, rather, it was
(09:00):
steeped in charity and concernfor the salvation of all.
His defense before the Sanhedrinwas marked by a remarkable
synthesis, fidelity to sacredscripture, bold evangelization,
and loving exhortation torepentance and faith.
(09:20):
This same spirit filled zeal isthe mark of the saints through
the ages and ought to animateevery Catholic who seeks
treasures in heaven.
Stephen's preaching is atestament.
Holiness is dynamic, contagious,unafraid.
Let us look to his example,begging the Holy Spirit for that
same fortitude and clarity, soour witness may also shine in a
(09:44):
world desperate for truth andsanctity.
Confrontation before theSanhedrin.
The account of Saint Stephen'strial before the Sanhedrin is
nothing short of riveting, ascene pulsing with holy tension,
brought before the most powerfulreligious tribunal of his day.
Stephen stands as the model ofCatholic bravery, surrounded by
(10:08):
accusers and the weight of humanauthority.
He is not blinded by fear orenticed by compromise.
Instead, filled with the HolySpirit, he boldly proclaims the
truth, tracing Israel's sacredhistory and unveiling the hard
reality of their rejection ofGod's prophets, including the
righteous one Jesus Christ.
(10:29):
Stephen's words are not mererhetoric, they are aflame with
conviction, saturated withfidelity to divine revelation.
He unveils how the treasures ofheaven surpass any earthly
standing, and how true loyaltyis owed to God above all.
Even as false witnesses twisthis speech, Stephen's gaze
(10:50):
remains fixed on heaven, hisheart burning for
sanctification, his witnessechoing the teachings preserved
by the magisterium and cherishedby faithful souls.
Here in the echo of that stonepillared hall, Catholics of
every era encounter the standardof courageous witness.
Stephen's testimony is not justa historical episode, it is an
(11:14):
invitation to echo his bravery,to speak God's truth when
challenged, to lift our eyes toChrist in the face of
persecution, knowing that thetrials of this world are nothing
compared to the imperishablecrowns awaiting us in eternity.
The vision of Christ at theright hand of the Father.
(11:35):
Saint Stephen's final testimonyresounds through the centuries.
Behold, I see the heavens openedand the Son of Man standing at
the right hand of God, Acts7.56.
Tradition tells us that thisvision wasn't merely consolation
for soul under assault, it was aluminous, resplendent profession
of faith in the divinity andglory of Christ, revealed in a
(11:58):
moment of supreme trial.
For Catholics striving forholiness today, Stephen's vision
is both invitation andchallenge.
Standing before persecutors,Stephen's gaze wasn't fixed on
earthly vindication or fleetingsafety.
His eyes, undivided andundistracted, pierced the thin
veil between earth and heaven.
(12:20):
He witnessed the eternalkingship of Jesus interceding
for him at the very throne ofGod.
This glimpse is the treasure inheaven for which we too must
yearn, a sanctified vision thatsustains us in suffering,
imbuing even our most bittermoments with purpose and hope.
(12:40):
Notice too how Stephen beheldthe Lord not seated but
standing, a king rising in honorof his faithful witness.
The church fathers perceive thisas Christ himself coming to meet
his martyr, displaying aboundless solidarity with those
who bear courageous witness inevery trial, every quiet act of
(13:04):
fidelity, every defense of thetruth.
Catholics are invited torecognize Christ at the right
hand of the Father, attentive,compassionate, awaiting our
steadfast yes.
Let this vision ignite within usa hunger for sanctification and
the courage to boldly professour faith.
When earthly eyes see onlypersecution or confusion, the
(13:27):
Catholic heart must look higherto the heavenly liturgy where
Christ reigns, where every actof witness is crowned, and where
true glory awaits the firstmartyrdom and its impact on the
church.
(13:48):
The stones that struck SaintStephen were not merely vicious
projectiles, they thunderedforth the birth pangs of
courageous witness, a new agefor the church, marked by
fidelity and sanctity.
Stephen, full of grace andpower, bore the fullness of his
vocation on his shoulders, Acts6 8.
(14:08):
His eloquent proclamation ofChrist spoken before the
Sanhedrin and sealed with hisfinal breath, revealed an
unwavering loyalty to truth,even in the face of mortal
danger.
This moment of martyrdom,Stephen's uttering, Lord, do not
hold this sin against them, seta supernatural standard for all
who would follow Christ.
(14:29):
Acts 7.60.
Here is a man conformedperfectly to the master, echoing
the words spoken from the cross.
His death was not an isolatedtragedy, but the seed of the
church's enduring boldness.
From the very beginning,Christians understood to bear
witness to the risen Lord meansrisking everything for holiness,
(14:53):
for heavenly treasures that mothand rust cannot destroy.
Saint Stephen's sacrificeinspired awe and conversion,
including in time within theheart of Saul who witnessed the
stoning.
The church was galvanized,scattering from Jerusalem but
growing even stronger, carryingthe gospel to Sir in Farm Cine
(15:17):
Ferdi Tears Dare Tear and Dur.
In every age, the memory of theproto-martyr calls out to us
true witness, does not merelyendure suffering, it transforms
it.
This is the path ofsanctification, the heavenly
inheritance promised to all whoremain steadfast to the end of
(15:38):
forgiveness amid stones, lessonsin mercy.
Saint Stephen's martyrdom is ascene ablaze with both
humanity's fury and heaven'speace.
As stones rained down, theproto-martyr first to die for
Christ did not lash out in fearor anger.
Instead, filled with the HolySpirit, he looked upward and
cried, Lord, do not hold thissin against them.
(16:01):
Acts seven sixty.
Here is a lesson for everyCatholic soul striving for
sanctification.
True strength, the strength thesaints possess, is inseparable
from mercy.
When a world quick to condemnand slow to forgive, Saint
Stephen's mercy echoes Christhimself on the cross.
The crowd's hatred could havekindled bitterness, but
(16:23):
Stephen's heart blazed only withChrist's compassion.
For the modern disciple, theinvitation is clear.
When we are hurt, misunderstood,or even persecuted for our
fidelity, we are called not tovengeance but to supernatural
charity.
But forgiveness such as this isnever automatic.
It is born from deep communionwith Jesus in the Eucharist,
(16:47):
nurtured by prayer and suffusedwith hope for treasures not of
this world.
Mercy sanctifies the soul, healswounds, and releases heaven's
grace.
In forgiving our enemies webecome living witnesses to
Christ, building up the body ofChrist and storing up treasures
where neither rust nor stone canever touch them.
(17:07):
Saint Stephen's witness piercesthe hardness of human hearts,
teaching us that holiness isforged with every act of mercy,
every prayer for those whooppose or misunderstand us.
The road to heaven may be strewnwith trials, yet the power to
forgive transforms each hurdleinto a stepping stone toward
(17:28):
eternal glory.
Stephen and the theology of theEucharist.
Stephen was a deacon, chosen forhis wisdom and faith, but above
(17:52):
all for his profound union withthe Lord.
In the Acts of the Apostles, wesee him filled with grace and
power radiating the Holy Spiritas he stood before his accusers.
Acts 6 8 10.
What pulses beneath Stephen'swords and actions is a soul
(18:13):
consumed by Christ, shaped bythe graces that flow from the
Eucharist.
To contemplate Saint Stephen isto contemplate the self-giving
love made flesh in theEucharist.
In the breaking of bread,Stephen found the strength to
imitate the crucified, absorbingslander, false accusation, and
violence, and yet respondingwith mercy and prayer for his
(18:35):
persecutors, his martyrdom is aliving commentary on the Lord's
command, do this in remembranceof me.
The very language of Stephen'slast words, Lord, do not hold
this sin against them echoesChrist from the cross, revealing
a heart made Eucharistic bytotal surrender and love.
(19:01):
For pilgrims pursuing sanctity,Stephen stands as an untarnished
beacon of Eucharistic faith.
He models the call to offer ourlives as a living sacrifice,
holy and acceptable to God,Romans 12 1, in a world tempted
by comfort, convenience, andcompromise, his example urges us
(19:21):
to center our lives around thealtar, drawing courage and
charity from the real presenceof Christ.
May every Catholic incontemplating Stephen pray for
the courage to receive andbecome what they adore, a
courageous, luminous sign ofChrist's love to the world.
Mary and resonances in Stephen'switness, contemplating the life
(19:46):
and martyrdom of Saint Stephen,the church's proto-martyr, we
perceive deep resonances withthe life and fiat of the Blessed
Virgin Mary.
Though they stood at differentcrossroads in salvation history,
both Mary and Stephen model anunwavering yes to the will of
(20:08):
God in a scent rooted incourage, humility, And an
interior life flooded withgrace.
Saint Stephen faced an angrycrowd, his words burning with
the fire of the Spirit, hisheart anchored beyond the fear
of worldly loss.
Here we see an echo of Mary'sbold, let it be done unto me
according to your word.
(20:28):
Luke 1 38, spoken unreservedlybefore the mystery of God's
plan.
Mary risked her reputation andvery life for the incarnation.
Similarly, Stephen riskedeverything to bear witness to
the truth he knew.
Christ crucified and risen.
In both saints, we find thisMarian spirit, the gaze fixed on
(20:52):
eternity, treasures sought noton earth but in heaven.
Mary pondered all things in herimmaculate heart.
Stephen, filled with the HolySpirit, saw heaven opened and
the Son of Man standing at theright hand of God, Acts 7.56.
Their witness invites modernCatholics to imitate this
supernatural perspective, to seebeyond the world's passing fears
(21:15):
and sufferings, to entrustourselves wholly to God's
providence.
Both Mary and Stephen teach usto be docile to the Holy Spirit.
Mary's life was a continualsurrender.
Behold, I am the handmaid of theLord.
Stephen, glowing with divinecourage, mirrored this childlike
trust as he forgave hispersecutors, echoing Mary's
(21:36):
intercessory love at the foot ofthe cross.
In today's world where the costof discipleship can feel
dawning, their examples shinewith a Marian light, courage
unto death, gentleness inadversity, and an unquenchable
longing for sanctity in thetreasures of heaven.
Courage in the face of culturalopposition.
(21:57):
Saint Stephen stands as aneverlasting beacon for all
Catholics called to bear boldwitness in a world that often
distances itself from Christ andhis church.
The Acts of the Apostles depictshow Stephen, full of grace and
fortitude, did not hesitate toproclaim the truth, even as
angry crowds raged against himand false accusations threatened
(22:19):
his very life.
The authorities demandedsilence, the culture pressed for
compromise, but Stephen refusedto betray the gospel.
His unwavering loyalty untodeath challenges us to ask, with
what courage do we confront ourown cultural Goliaths?
For Catholics today, courage ismore than a virtue, it becomes a
spiritual necessity.
(22:40):
From college campuses tocorporate boardrooms, faithful
Catholics encounter skepticism,caricature, and even hostility
for upholding the teachings ofChrist and his church.
In these moments we are invitedto invoke the steadfastness of
Saint Stephen, to speak Christ'sname with gentle strength, to
love radically in the face ofridicule, and to hold fast to
(23:02):
the wisdom and treasure of themagisterium, regardless of
shifting trends around us.
Like Stephen before theSanhedrin, we are called to look
heavenward not just with oureyes, but deep within our
hearts, seeking the glory of Godabove earthly reward.
When we feel the pressure toblend in or water down our
(23:23):
witness, we recall Stephen'sheavenly gaze and his vision of
Christ at the right hand of theFather.
In doing so, we are emboldenedto claim our own place among the
great cloud of witnesses,storing up treasures not on
earth but in heaven, whereChrist is seated forever in
glory.
May Saint Stephen remind us thatholiness is not for the faint of
(23:45):
heart, and that sanctificationflourishes most when the world
pushes back.
Embracing Saint Stephen'slegacy, walking boldly toward
holiness.
As we reflect on the luminoustestimony of Saint Stephen, the
Church's first martyr, we aresummoned to consider the cost
and the glory of wholehearteddiscipleship.
(24:08):
His courageous witness is not arelic of the past, but a living
call for each of us here and nowto prize the treasures of heaven
above all earthly comfort.
In a world often hostile totruth, Stephen's unwavering
loyalty to Christ and the Churchshines like a beacon, inviting
(24:28):
us to stand firm in the fullnessof our Catholic faith.
At journeys of faith inspired byBob and Penny Lord and rooted in
Eucharistic and Marian devotion,we strive to journey alongside
all who wish to sanctify theirdaily lives.
Like Saint Stephen, may we drawstrength from the sacraments and
the communion of saints, findingcourage to proclaim the gospel,
(24:51):
whether among friends, family,or strangers.
Let us pray for the grace toforgive, to love, and to witness
with joy, knowing our true homeis with Christ in glory.
Brothers and sisters, let uswalk boldly in Saint Stephen's
footsteps.
May our hearts and actions echohis prayer.
(25:13):
Lord, do not hold this sinagainst them.
In this way we store up eternaltreasures and blaze a trail of
holiness for others to follow.
Be sure to click the link in thedescription for special news
item, and since there is more tothis article, finish reading and
check out the special offer.
(25:34):
Visit journeysoffaith.comwebsite today.
Popular Podcasts
Dateline NBC
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com
Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.
The Breakfast Club
The World's Most Dangerous Morning Show, The Breakfast Club, With DJ Envy, Jess Hilarious, And Charlamagne Tha God!