Forward Movement is an official, non-profit agency of the Episcopal Church whose mission is to create compelling content for Christian living. Since 1935 we have published the quarterly devotional Forward Day by Day, as well as pamphlets, booklets, and books that encourage and nourish people in their lives of prayer and faith.
MONDAY, December 27 Saint Stephen (tr)
Matthew 23:34-39. Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to it!
Jesus’ prophetic words about Jerusalem anticipate the stoning of Stephen, the first Christian martyr. Stephen’s stoning is also linked to Saul (Paul), who witnesses the event that undoubtedly influenced his own later conversion to become the great apostle to the Gentiles.
An English ballad from the mid-fifteenth century depicts an imaginary conversation between King Herod and Stephen, who, according to the legend, is in the king’s employ. Stephen tells Herod he wants to leave to worship the Bethlehem child who “shall help us in our need.” Herod replies that is as likely as the chicken on his dinner platter beginning to speak, whereupon the chicken crowed “Christus natus est!” (Christ is born). Herod in his fury orders Stephen stoned. The story is offered as an explanation for the proximity of the feast of Stephen to Christmas.
Stephen was the first in the long line of Christian martyrs including Thomas of Canterbury. Modern martyrs such as Dietrich Bonhoeffer and Archbishop Janani Luwum are memorialized at Canterbury in a simple notebook behind the high altar. (2004)
PRAY for the Diocese of Kwoi (Province of Abuja, Nigeria)
Ps 31 or 31:1-5; Jeremiah 26:1-9, 12-15; Acts 6:8—7:2a, 51c-60
View the daily Lectionary Readings at Satucket.com.
Or view the Bible passages at Biblegateway.com.
A Meditation for Pentecost
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