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.
The Psalm
31
The Readings
Jeremiah 26:1-9, 12-15 + Acts 6:8-7:2, 51-60 + Matthew 23:34-39
Jesus said, "Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to it! How often have I desired to gather your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you were not willing!"
~Matthew 23:37
While they were stoning Stephen, he prayed, "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit." Then he knelt down and cried out in a loud voice, "Lord, do not hold this sin against them." When he had said this, he died.
~Acts 7:59-60
Yesterday our king put on the robe of flesh, and coming out of the court of the Virgin's womb, deigned to visit the earth. Today a soldier leaves the earthly tabernacle of his body, and goes up in triumph to heaven . . . The love that brought down Christ from heaven to earth, lifted Stephen from earth to heaven . . . Love, therefore, is the origin and source of all good things; it is a most excellent defence, the road that leads to heaven. Whoever walks in love can neither stray nor be afraid. Love guides, love protects, love leads to the end.
~from a sermon by St. Fulgentius of Ruspe (5th-6th century bishop in North Africa)
Closing Prayer
God, make us abound evermore in the faith that Saint Stephen professed and the love that held fast in him as he prayed for those who killed him. Amen.
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