Archive for the ‘St. Stephen’ Tag
Above: St. Stephen, by Luis de Morales
Image in the Public Domain
The First Christian Martyr
DECEMBER 26, 2023
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The readings for the Feast of St. Stephen remind us of the grim reality that suffering for the sake of righteousness is frequently a risk. We read of one of the many difficulties of the faithful prophet Jeremiah, a man who spoke truth to power when that power was dependent upon hostile foreigners. The historical record tells us that the Pharaoh of Egypt chose both the King of Judah and his regnal name, Jehoiakim. Matthew 23, set in the Passion Narrative, reminds us of some of the prophets and teachers, whom God had sent and authorities at Jerusalem had martyred. Contrary to the wishes of the author of Psalm 31, God does not always deliver the faithful from enemy hands.
St. Stephen, one of the original seven deacons, was probably a Hellenized Jew. As a deacon, his job in the Church was, in the words of Acts 6:2,
to wait on tables.
—The New Revised Standard Version (1989)
The deacons were to provide social services while the Apostles preached and taught. St. Stephen also debated and preached, however. His speech to the Sanhedrin (Acts 7:1-53) led to his execution (without a trial) by stoning. St. Stephen, like Jesus before him, prayed for God to forgive his executioners (Acts 7:60), who, in their minds, were correct to execute him for blasphemy, a capital offense in the Law of Moses. Saul of Tarsus, the future St. Paul the Apostle, was prominent in the killing of St. Stephen. The Apostle recalled the death of St. Stephen and his role in it in Acts 22:20.
Religion, by itself, is generally morally neutral; one can be a moral atheist just as easily as one can be a moral or immoral adherent. Good religion and bad religion certainly exist. The test, in moral terms, yet not theological ones, is what kind of adherents they create and nurture. Regardless of the name of a religion or the content of its tenets, does the reality of living it make one a loving, merciful human being or a judgmental person who might be quick to execute dissenters or consent to that? This question is always a relevant one.
KENNETH RANDOLPH TAYLOR
MARCH 17, 2018 COMMON ERA
THE FEAST OF SAINT PATRICK, APOSTLE OF IRELAND
THE FEAST OF EBENEZER ELLIOTT, “THE CORN LAW RHYMER”
THE FEAST OF ELIZA SIBBALD ALDERSON, POET AND HYMN WRITER; AND JOHN BACCHUS DYKES, ANGLICAN PRIEST AND HYMN WRITER
THE FEAST OF HENRY SCOTT HOLLAND, ANGLICAN HYMN WRITER AND PRIEST
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We give you thanks, O Lord of glory, for the example of the first martyr Stephen,
who looked up to heaven and prayed for his persecutors to your Son Jesus Christ,
who stands at your right hand; where he lives and reigns with
you and the Holy Spirit, one God, in glory everlasting. Amen.
Jeremiah 26:1-9, 12-15
Psalm 31 or 31:1-15
Acts 6:8-7:2a; 51c-60
Matthew 23:34-39
—Holy Women, Holy Men: Celebrating the Saints (2010), page 139
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https://neatnik2009.wordpress.com/2018/03/17/feast-of-st-stephen-deacon-and-martyr-december-26/
https://blogatheologica.wordpress.com/2018/03/17/the-first-christian-martyr/
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Above: The Murder of Zechariah, by William Brassey Hole
Image in the Public Domain
Two Stonings
DECEMBER 26, 2021
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The Collect:
Almighty God, you gave us your only Son
to take on our human nature and to illumine the world with your light.
By your grace adopt us as your children and enlighten us with your Spirit,
through Jesus Christ, our Redeemer and Lord, who lives and reigns
with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
–Evangelical Lutheran Worship (2006), page 20
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The Assigned Readings:
2 Chronicles 4:17-24
Psalm 148
Acts 6:1-7; 7:51-60
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Psalm 148 is a song of praise to God, especially in nature. The text begins with references to the created order then moves along to people in social and political contexts. Finally we read:
[The LORD] has exalted his people in the pride of power
and crowned with praise his loyal servants,
Israel, a people close to him.
Praise the LORD.
–Verse 15, The Revised English Bible (1989)
In the context of this day’s pericopes Psalm 148 functions as a counterpoint to the other readings. In them holy men of God died for the sake of righteousness. Zechariah, a priest and the son of Jehoida, also a priest, died because of his condemnation of idolatry. Zechariah said:
Thus God said: Why do you transgress the commandments of the LORD when you cannot succeed? Since you have forsaken the LORD, He has forsaken you.
–2 Chronicles 24:20b, TANAKH: The Holy Scriptures (1985)
His punishment was execution by stoning at the Temple in Jerusalem.
Similar in tone and content is the story of St. Stephen, one of the first seven Christian deacons and the first Christian martyr. The diaconate came to exist because it was necessary. Apostles perceived the need to divide labor:
It is not right that we should neglect the word of God in order to wait on tables.
–Acts 6:2b, The New Revised Standard Version (1989)
So the deacons fed the hungry widows. St. Stephen died by stoning not because of his participation in an ancient Means on Wheels program but because of his preaching. He, like Zechariah son of Jehoida, accused his audience of having abandoned God.
These two stories end differently, though. The dying words of Zechariah son of Jehoida were:
May the LORD see this and exact the penalty.
–2 Chronicles 24:22b, The Revised English Bible (1989)
The interpretation of subsequent events in that book is that God avenged the priest (24:24). King Jehoash/Joash of Israel (reigned 836-798 B.C.E.) died after becoming wounded in a devastating Aramean invasion. His servants murdered him on his bed.
In contrast, St. Stephen prayed for his killers:
Lord, do not hold this sin against them.
–Acts 7:60b, The New Revised Standard Version (1989)
The text does not indicate what effects, if any, that had on any of his executioners. We do know, however, that Saul of Tarsus, who approved of the execution, went on to become St. Paul the Apostle. One need not stray from the proverbial path of reasonableness to say that St. Paul, pondering his past and God’s grace, to say that he regretted having ever approved of St. Stephen’s death.
The use of violence to rid oneself of an inconvenient person is sinful. To commit violence for this purpose in the name of God, presumably to affirm one’s righteousness in the process, is ironic, for that violence belies the claim of righteousness. Furthermore, there are only victims in violent acts. The person who commits violence harms himself or herself, at least spiritually, if in no other way. Violence might be necessary or preferable to any alternative sometimes, but nobody should ever celebrate it or turn to it as a first resort.
Whatever we do to others, we do to ourselves. May we pursue peace, forgiveness, and reconciliation, not revenge.
KENNETH RANDOLPH TAYLOR
AUGUST 22, 2015 COMMON ERA
THE FEAST OF JOHN DRYDEN, ENGLISH PURITAN THEN ANGLICAN THEN ROMAN CATHOLIC POET, PLAYWRIGHT, AND TRANSLATOR
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https://blogatheologica.wordpress.com/2015/08/22/two-stonings/
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Above: A Hen and Her Chicks
Image Source = Yann
Consolation and Lamentation
DECEMBER 18, 2021
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The Collect:
Stir up your power, Lord Christ, and come.
With your abundant grace and might,
free us from the sin that binds us,
that we may receive you in joy and serve you always,
for you live and reign with the Father and
the Holy Spirit, now and forever. Amen.
–Evangelical Lutheran Worship (2006), page 20
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The Assigned Readings:
Isaiah 66:7-11
Psalm 80:1-7
Luke 13:31-35
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Restore us, O God of hosts;
show us the light of your countenance,
and we shall be saved.
–Psalm 80:7, The Book of Common Prayer (1979)
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The reading from Isaiah 66 exists in an immediate literary context. God does not need sacrifices, we read, but the system of sacrifices exists for human benefit. Some people make a mockery of sacrifices; God mocks them in return. No, God tends to the faithful and consoles Jerusalem. Once again, divine judgment and mercy coexist.
Jesus laments over Jerusalem in Luke 13:31-35. Many prophets have died unjustly there. Christ’s life was at risk during the lamentation.
Advent, the time of preparation for Christmas, is an appropriate occasion to recall the violence of the world into which Jesus came, in which he lived, and in which he died. Yes, the birth of Jesus is a cause for celebration, but even the Christmas season provides sobering moments. December 26 is the Feast of St. Stephen, the first martyr. December 28 is the Feast of the Holy Innocents. And December 29 is the Feast of St. Thomas Becket, the “troublesome priest” and Archbishop of Canterbury whom agents of King Henry II killed at Canterbury Cathedral. We should be happy during Advent and Christmas, but we should also note the coexistence of divine light and the darkness of the world.
KENNETH RANDOLPH TAYLOR
AUGUST 20, 2015 COMMON ERA
THE FEAST OF JOHN BAJUS, U.S. LUTHERAN MINISTER AND HYMN TRANSLATOR
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https://blogatheologica.wordpress.com/2015/08/20/consolation-and-lamentation/
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Above: Massacre of the Innocents, by Pieter Bruegel the Elder
Image in the Public Domain
Grace Amid Grief and Violence
DECEMBER 28, 2023
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The Collect:
All-powerful and unseen God, the coming of your light
into our world has brightened weary hearts with peace.
Call us out of darkness, and empower us to proclaim the birth of your Son,
Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns
with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
–Evangelical Lutheran Worship (2006), page 20
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The Assigned Readings:
Jeremiah 31:15-17
Psalm 148
Matthew 2:13-18
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Let kings and commoners,
princes and rulers over the whole earth,
youths and girls,
old and young together,
let them praise the name of the LORD,
for his name is high above all others,
and his majesty above earth and heaven.
He has exalted his people in the pride of power
and crowned with praise his loyal servants,
Israel, a people close to him.
Praise the LORD.
–Psalm 148:11-14, Revised English Bible (1989)
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Christmas Eve and December 25 are supposed to be joyous occasions, especially liturgically. Yet, for many people, grief due to the absences of certain family members detracts from the celebration. Such times ought to become occasions for grace to flow to those who grieve, with mere mortals functioning as agents of God. We live in the midst of grace, which I liken to a lamp. We notice its light more at night than we do earlier in the day. Likewise, grace becomes more noticeable when we perceive the need for it to be greater.
Jeremiah 31 speaks of the return of the exiles from the ten lost tribes of Israel to their homeland, an event which has yet to occur. Rachel weeps because of their absence, but there is hope, the text says. The author of the Gospel of Matthew quoted part of that passage and related it to the Massacre of the Innocents. Herod the Great was a mean and mentally unhinged monarch who derived his power from the Roman Empire. He authorized violence against members of his own family, so ordering the killing of strangers was consistent with his character.
Some stories of violence follow the great festival of Christmas Eve and Day. December 26 is the Feast of St. Stephen, the first Christian martyr. And December 28, of course, is the Feast of the Holy Innocents. Jesus entered a world in which evil people commit or consent to violence to benefit themselves and many other people stand by and watch it happen. Human nature has remained constant and the violence has continued. We humans are creatures of habit. That fact contributes to the imperative of fostering and pursuing positive habits, those which build up people and contribute to the common good. This is possible, for God has bestowed ample grace upon us. What will we do with it?
KENNETH RANDOLPH TAYLOR
NOVEMBER 8, 2014 COMMON ERA
THE FEAST OF JOHANN VON STAUPITZ, MARTIN LUTHER’S SPIRITUAL MENTOR
THE FEAST OF JAMES THEODORE HOLLY, EPISCOPAL BISHOP OF HAITI
THE FEAST OF JOHN MILTON, POET AND ANGLICAN PRIEST
THE FEAST OF THE SAINTS AND MARTYRS OF THE ANGLICAN COMMUNION
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http://blogatheologica.wordpress.com/2014/11/10/grace-amid-grief-and-violence/
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Above: St. Stephen, by Luis de Morales
Image in the Public Domain
Unrighteous Violence
DECEMBER 26, 2023
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The Collect:
All-powerful and unseen God, the coming of your light
into our world has brightened weary hearts with peace.
Call us out of darkness, and empower us to proclaim the birth of your Son,
Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns
with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
–Evangelical Lutheran Worship (2006), page 20
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The Assigned Readings:
Jeremiah 26:1-9, 12-15
Psalm 148
Acts 6:8-15; 7:51-60
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Let kings and all commoners,
princes and rulers over all the whole earth,
youths and girls,
old and young together,
let them praise the name of the LORD,
for his name is high above all others,
and his majesty above earth and heaven.
He has exalted his people in the pride of power
and crowned with praise his loyal servants,
Israel, a people close to him.
Praise the LORD.
–Psalm 148:11-14, Revised English Bible (1989)
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The Psalm for today stands in dissonance with the other two readings. Jeremiah preached the word of God–a word just in case people might repent–and they did not repent. In fact, some tried to have him executed. Centuries later, others succeeded in putting St. Stephen, who had also said much which certain people did not want to hear, to death.
The context of Jeremiah’s troubles (as 2 Kings 23:31-37) explains it, was the reign of King Jehoiakim, son of the great King Josiah. Josiah had died in 609 B.C.E., losing his life to Neco, Pharaoh of Egypt, in battle. Neco had appointed the next monarch, Jehoahaz, elder son of Josiah. Jehoahaz had reigned for a mere three months before Neco imprisoned him. Then the Egyptian ruler chose Eliakim as his Judean vassal and renamed him “Jehoiakim.” The new vassal did his lord’s bidding, collecting the required tribute of one hundred talents of silver and a talent of gold. (A talent was seventy-five pounds.) Jeremiah’s message from God had a political tint for people living in a vassal state without the separation of religion and government. King Jehoiakim tried to have the prophet killed, but one Ahikam son of Shaphan (Jeremiah 26:24) protected the holy man.
St. Stephen, the first Christian martyr, had no such protector. He was one of the original seven deacons, whose job descriptions entailed providing social services primarily. Yet St. Stephen’s preaching, not his delivering of meals to widows, led to his death. The crucifixion of Jesus was a recent event, so anyone who spoke as boldly as St. Stephen regarding Christ did took great risks. For speaking the truth he suffered the Law of Moses-dictated death of a blasphemer. His execution had a veneer of righteousness. Some of his accusers believed him to have committed blasphemy, but sincerity did not excuse error.
Often we humans resort to violence to rid ourselves of inconvenient people who have merely spoken the truth. We wish to defend our concepts of our own righteousness, but animosity and violence reveal the truth of our lack of righteousness.
KENNETH RANDOLPH TAYLOR
NOVEMBER 6, 2014 COMMON ERA
THE FEAST OF WILLIAM TEMPLE, ARCHBISHOP OF CANTERBURY
THE FEAST OF TE WHITI O RONGOMAI, MAORI PROPHET
THE FEAST OF THEOPHANE VENARD, ROMAN CATHOLIC PRIEST, MISSIONARY, AND MARTYR IN VIETNAM
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http://blogatheologica.wordpress.com/2014/11/06/unrighteous-violence/
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Above: The Stoning of Saint Stephen, by Paolo Uccello
Causes and Consequences of Persecution
DECEMBER 26, 2022
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The Collect:
Almighty God, you gave your only Son to take on our human nature
and to illumine the world with your light.
By your grace adopt us as your children and enlighten us with your Spirit,
through Jesus Christ, our Redeemer and Lord, who lives and reigns
with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
–Evangelical Lutheran Worship (2006), page 20
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The Assigned Readings:
Wisdom of Solomon 4:7-15
Psalm 148
Acts 7:59-8:8
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Kings of the earth and all peoples,
princes and all rulers of the world;
Young men and women, old and young together;
let them praise the name of the Lord.
–Psalm 148:11-12, The Book of Common Prayer (2004)
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Why do the righteous experience persecution? That question gets to the point of human priorities of the negative sort. Sometimes we humans know that doing x is wrong and do it anyway, so those who point this fact out to us prove terribly inconvenient and annoying. And, on other occasions, we mistake evil for good, so we think that we are working righteousness when the opposite is true. Self-delusions and corrupt cultural influences can explain much of that. And there is the deeper question of violence, especially that committed for allegedly righteous purposes. The stoning of St. Stephen, whose feast this is, was consistent with the penalty for leading people astray, according to the Law of Moses. But he was not leading people astray.
The Wisdom of Solomon lection wrestles with the reality of righteous people dying prematurely. God delivered them from wickedness, the text says. The fact of such persecution does not mean that God does not watch over the holy ones, it tells us. In other words, God is still all-powerful and will win in the end. And, in Acts 7:59-8:8, God worked mightily through the church despite human attempts to disrupt the nascent movement. God won.
It is difficult to hear that what one has assumed to be true, good, and righteous–from the Temple System to slavery to racial segregation to a host of other offenses–is actually neither. Such an epiphany, should it dawn upon one, would disorientate one spiritually. Courageous people correct their courses. Merely tolerant ones reject the message yet refrain from committing or supporting reprisals against critics. And small-minded, frightened people resort to violence to confirm their delusional notions of righteousness or approve of such violence on the part of others.
But God will win. Thanks be to God!
KENNETH RANDOLPH TAYLOR
JULY 18, 2013 COMMON ERA
THE FEAST OF ARTHUR PENRHYN STANLEY, ANGLICAN DEAN OF WESTMINSTER AND HYMN WRITER
THE FEAST OF BARTOLOME DE LAS CASAS, WITNESS FOR SOCIAL JUSTICE
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http://blogatheologica.wordpress.com/2013/07/24/causes-and-consequences-of-persecution/
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ADVENT, CHRISTMAS, AND EPIPHANY DEVOTIONS 
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