We know very little about most Biblical figures (including some of the Twelve Apostles), but Saint Stephen, deacon and martyr, emerges remarkably 'fleshed out' in the Book of Acts, chapters 6 and 7.  As one of the first deacons chosen by "the whole community", he was entrusted with assisting the Twelve in some of their daily tasks, such as the distribution of food, for they were having to neglect the word of God in order to wait on tables and serve meals, especially for the neglected Greek widows.  Therefore, "seven men of good standing, full of the Spirit and of wisdom" were appointed to this task so the Twelve could continue to devote themselves to "prayer and to serving the word."

Stephen proved to be an excellent choice as one of these first  deacons, for being "full of grace and power", he did "great wonders and signs among the people."  But there were those who could not withstand the wisdom and the Spirit with which he spoke and they secretly accused him of speaking "blasphemous words against Moses and God", seized him and brought him before he council.  False witnesses testified that he spoke things against the law, and said the Jesus of Nazareth would change the customs that Moses had handed down.  Those in the council "looked intently at him, and they saw that his face was like the face of an angel."

When the high priest asked him if the charges were true, Stephen replied with a history of the Jews (first 53 verses of Acts 7) from Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, to Joseph, Moses and Aaron, David and Solomon, the builder of the temple, concluding with the startling statement that "the Most High does not dwell in houses made with human hands", thus refuting the importance of such an edifice.  To this he concluded with "You stiff-necked people..you are forever opposing the Holy Spirit, just as your ancestors used to do.  You are the ones that received the law as ordained by angels, and yet you have not kept it."  At this his hearers became enraged "and ground their teeth at Stephen."  But he replied: "Look, I see the heavens opened and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God."  But this was too much and his hearers "rushed together against him," dragged him out of the city, and stoned him, while a young man named Saul observed.  As he expired, Stephen prayed, "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit."

The artist who created the many artistic glories in the Cathedral have blessed us with three reminders of Stephen and his remarkable life:

1. The window to the left of the Lady shrine, where Stephen appears clothed in the traditional garment of the deacon...the dalmatic...here show in a lovely rose color.  In his hand he holds the palm of victory; at his feet are the stones of martyrdom.
2. In the reredos at the high Altar, in the left-hand panel, Stephen at his martyrdom is shown kneeling in prayer, while as witnesses hurl stones at him in the right background corner stands an onlooker...Saul, the yet unconverted Paul.
3. Also included in the reredos are six statues representing important figures in the life of Paul.  the larger one on the left represents Stephen, again shown with palm of victory and stones at his feet.

In a recent homily expanding of the Gospel story of Martha and Mary, Fr. Brian concluded that each of the paths they followed was important: Martha, for service, Mary for spirituality.  To me, Stephen is a memorable and saintly example of that conclusion.  Chosen to wait on table and serve food to those in need, he found and followed a life of service.  In being filled with the Holy Spirit and not hesitating to proclaim his belief, he lived, and died, a life of intense spirituality.

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