Finding Courage in a World Adrift
St. Stephen: A Timeless Call to Courage Saint Stephen, the first Christian martyr, is commemorated on December 26th, the second day of Christmas. It's a day for believers to visit loved ones and offer their congratulations. Recognizable by the olive branch signifying his martyrdom and the stone he carries, a symbol of his stoning, St. Stephen was one of the seven deacons chosen in the early Church. But why does the world need St. Stephen, or figures like him, today? After Jesus' death, Stephen bravely preached His teachings, an act that led to his conviction for blasphemy and ultimately his death by stoning. Without individuals like Stephen, willing to spread knowledge and truth, even in the face of persecution and death, Jesus' message could never have flourished. History teaches us that all great achievements, all nations, are built upon sacrifice, exceptional courage, and selflessness. Think of the Croatian defenders and volunteers in the Homeland War, fighting alongs...