“We are called to bear witness to Jesus where we live, work, everywhere”: Pope Francis

In his message, Pope Francis reflected on the witness of St. Stephen, who, though “he was on the receiving end of the stones of hatred, reciprocated with words of forgiveness.”

By his actions, love, and forgiveness, the martyr “changed history,” the pope said, recalling that at St. Stephen’s stoning, there was present “a young man named Saul,” who “was consenting to his death.”

Saul, by God’s grace, was later converted and became St. Paul. “This is the proof that loving actions change history,” Francis said, “even the ones that are small, hidden, everyday. For God guides history through the humble courage of those who pray, love and forgive.”

According to the pope, there are many “hidden saints, saints who are next-door, hidden witnesses of life, who with little acts of love change history.”

The key to this witness, he explained, is shining not by your own light, but by reflecting the light of Jesus.

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Francis also pointed out that the ancient fathers called the Church “the mystery of the moon” because she also reflects the light of Christ.

Despite being falsely accused and brutally stoned to death, St. Stephen “allowed the light of Jesus to shine” by praying for and forgiving his murderers, the pope stated.

“He is the first martyr, that is, the first witness, the first of a host of brothers and sisters who, even until today, continue to bring the light into the darkness – people who respond to evil with good, who do not succumb to violence and lies, but break the cycle of hatred with meekness and love,” he said. “In the world’s nights, these witnesses bring God’s dawn.”