Saint Stephen was filled with grace and power. When he spoke, Christ spoke through him for he so closely followed the life and way of Christ. Always working great signs and wonders. It was too much for them for they could not or would not open their hearts up to the reality of Jesus Christ who they out to death.
So, they killed the messenger. It has always been this way. The closer a disciple follows Jesus the closer to rejection and attack they become. From the world, from leaders. Even from family.
One could say if you have not been rejected or verbally assaulted by others for your words of Christ or your lifestyle that mirrors Christ’s you may need to reevaluate. Reevaluate if you are truly living with Jesus Christ at the center.
Family members will be some of the first to reject you… if you hold fast to his teachings and put God first and love others. For the world revolves around its own core values. Including consumption, greed, selfishness and objectification of everything, including people.
The life of a Christian is just the opposite and it rubs the very fabric of society. The Christian is selfless, has priorities that put God first, that honors all people, friends, families and even enemies for God loves them all.
The Christian seeks truth and does not hurry after things of the world but strives for only a relationship with God as his primary goal in life.
That has ramifications.
It is in conflict with most politics. A position where God is first and his commandments untouchable rejects labels and lies.
So given the current climate of political turmoil, of societal discord we have seen since the Covid era started, we can certainly believe that even loved ones can turn against loved ones. We have seen that even government leaders and religious leaders will turn on those pursuing truth if truth does not align with falsehoods they are profiting by. 0
Persecute them. Take away jobs and lives. Truths that upset the status quo. Which in the end was what positioned the Pharisees against Christ in the first place.
St Stephen was our example that we must continue speaking the words of Jesus Christ. Choosing love and truth in all things and yes, even standing before our loved ones and speaking the truth, out of love, when it is time to do so.
And it is never a bad time to share our faith and the truth of Jesus Christ with others
Deacon Tony Pynes 
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