St. Stephen the Martyr

 

Nails, spear shall pierce Him through,
The Cross be borne for me, for you.
Hail, hail the Word made flesh,
The Babe, the Son of Mary.

 

Ave Maria!  Today's liturgy for this first day after Christmas, the feast of St. Stephen the martyr, is always a bit jarring.  After all the glorious and joyful festivities honoring the "new born and newly dear" Infant, the Church immediately reminds us that the Babe lying in the manger will one day be stretched out upon the Cross "for me, for you."  To follow the Divine Child is to live as He did, from crib to Cross to everlasting glory with the Father, whose only-begotten Son He is. 

 

St. Stephen, filled with grace and power, shows us how.  We must constantly draw upon the Holy Spirit, who fills us just as He did St. Stephen (Acts 7:55).  Looking up "intently to heaven," from which comes our help and strength, we must call upon Him who is our rock of refuge and a mighty stronghold, begging Him over and over again:  "Lead me, guide me, for the sake of your name! ... Into your hands I commend my spirit! ... Let your face shine on your servant.  Save me in your merciful love!" (Responsorial Psalm, #31) 

 

Like St. Stephen, we know the One in whom we've placed our trust.  (2 Tim 1:12)  Venite, adoremus Dominum!

 

Raise, raise, the song on high,
The Virgin sings her lullaby:
Joy joy for Christ is born,
The Babe, the Son of Mary!