May 25, 2025
When I was preparing to receive Confirmation, I chose the name “Stephen” as my Confirmation name, a step in the journey toward the Sacrament which signifies the “change” which takes place in the Confirmandi. When I mentioned this to my sponsor, they remarked how wonderful it was that I had chosen that name. When I asked why, they pointed out that all of my given names (first, middle and (now) Confirmation) were all martyrs. I wasn’t quite sure, at the time, how wonderful this was!
As a teenager, I didn’t necessarily think of martyrdom as a good thing; as I’ve gotten older, I realize that each one of us who live the Christian life is called to be a martyr in some fashion. When one accepts and lives their relationship with Christ, one is called to “die to self” so that Christ might live in us. St. Stephen, widely recognized as the first Christian martyr, saw this union with Christ as something to be striven for, something to be entered into fully. Even his final words in which he commends his spirit to God and forgives his persecutors echo the words and actions of Christ. Stephen remains for the Church a powerful witness and testament to how a life lived in union with Christ can bear great fruit.
As Jesus readies the disciples for their new roles of service and ministry, He prays for both the preacher and those who will receive the Word. Jesus further prays for union between Himself (and the Father) and the disciples. This union will be necessary during those times when they are weary and might lose hope. If they feel that they are alone, that they are doing this by themselves, then they might abandon the cause. If they know, however, that God does not and will not leave them abandoned, then they can do amazing things. This is where we “fit in”. We have, through our Baptism and Confirmation, been given a “commission” to go out and preach and teach, heal and minister. Like those disciples prayed for by Jesus, we, too, have the power of the Spirit at work in our lives. Like those sent forth by Christ, we do so in union with God, sharing in the One Spirit who comes to all who call upon the Spirit for strength, guidance and peace.
There may be times when we think that we are in charge, that we are “calling the shots”. This is a dangerous thing, indeed, because when we lose sight of the fact that we are nothing without God, we run the risk of falling prey to the Evil One. As the old expression goes, “pride goeth before the fall”; it is a sin which has been repeated time and time again. If, however, we realize that with God (and only with God) we can do all things, they we will, indeed, bear great fruit. May we have the courage to strive for union with God in Christ Jesus. May we, through the power of the Holy Spirit, not only call upon but rely on the gifts of the Spirit. May these gifts, freely given out of love for us by God, help us to go out to all the world and tell the Good News, the saving message, that Christ has broken the chains of sin and death and won for us newness of life!
Have a (Continued) Blessed Easter Season,
Fr. Paul
