The Stoning of Stephen
But they could not withstand the wisdom and the Spirit with which he spoke. Acts 6. 10
On this day after Christmas just 24 hours after we abided with the sheep over the birth of the Christ Child, our readings quickly take us back to the threat of that Incarnation. Stephen, one of the seven chosen to serve, enraged the people of the synagogue with his speech. "Stephen, full of grace and power, did great wonders and signs among the people" but his witness threatened many who heard him. The Love of which he spoke was too great, powerful and omnipotent and "they could not withstand" it. And with gnashing and grinding of teeth, they threw stones at him and beat him to death.
But before he died, the book of Acts tells us he was "filled with the Holy Spirit, he gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God and Jesus standing at the right hand of God...and prayed "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit...do not hold this sin against them."
We teach our children that sticks and stones might break our bones, but words will never hurt us, but in my experience those words are rubbish. Words can break our bones and our hearts and leave us irreparably damaged. However I know that in a case of such abuse, in the heavens, in the presence of God, we will be comforted, restored and received. And we will be able to forgive.
Remember St. Stephen this day, the first Christian martyr and our model for forgiveness regardless of how hard the stones or harsh the words.
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