“Which of the prophets did not your fathers persecute?” ~ Acts of the Apostles 7:53.
Being persecuted has always been part of the Christian journey. On December 26 we celebrate the feast of St. Stephen. Stephen is not only the first recorded martyr, but was also a deacon who died in the Acts of the Apostles. As Christianity spread after Jesus’ ascension, so did the need for more clergy and assistance for the apostles. Stephen was among the men chosen to help spread the word of Christ. He was the first man to give his life for the new Faith.
“You always resist the Holy Spirit.” ~ Acts 7:51.
The seventh chapter of Acts of the Apostles begins with Stephen’s appointment to authority and ends with his burial. The Pharisees wanted to turn the public away from his preaching, thus they called false witnesses against him. Many testified that he spoke against the law of God and Moses. In response to his trial, Stephen recited a long history of the prophets. First, he points out that every prophet sent by God was rejected. Next, every one of them challenged what was “normal” to the people. Finally, each of them were condemned and persecuted for the word they spread. “You always resist the Holy Spirit,” Stephen said. Furthermore, “Which of the prophets did not your fathers persecute?”
Stephen’s challenge to the Pharisees resulted in him being dragged from the city and stoned to death. He gave his life because he challenged the idea that men who speak God’s word…are persecuted.
Persecuted Prophets in 2025.
While hopefully none of us will be stoned to death in the street, we are all called to be persecuted prophets. Every single of us should be willing to undergo rejection for speaking God’s word. Whether in the classroom, office, or home, God’s command and truth comes above our comfort and friendships. It is a lesson I do not look forward to teaching my children, but many of us will be hated by others. We will be challenged, even persecuted, for God’s truth. As the martyrs like Stephen were willing to die for Him, we also must be willing to lose ourselves.
The courage to be persecuted begins at home. It begins in choosing strong spouses, raising brave children, surrounding ourselves with good friends and family. The ability to withstand rejection begins in our parishes, where we can have a safe haven from the scornful world.
As we begin 2025, how are we building ourselves and our families towards God? Where are we allowing weakness in the face of persecution? What changes need to be made so we can live in truth, not in brokenness?
