Sermon and Study for Pentecost 8C, St Stephen, Proper 13, Ordinary Sunday 18C
Ecclesiastes 1.2, 12-14, 2.18-23; Psalm 49.1-12; Acts 6.8-10, 7.54-60; Luke 12.13-21
Link to Study Guide here and below text.
Today, we continue to reflect upon the heart of God, revealed in Christ and exemplified in the life and death of Stephen, the first martyr. This reflection calls us to embrace hospitality, holy vision, and alignment with the kingdom of God.
The book of Ecclesiastes opens with a stark reminder, declaring, “Vanity of vanities, all is vanity.” This profound truth confronts us with the futility of self-centred striving. Psalm 49 echoes this sentiment, advising us not to fear the riches of others, for in the end, we carry nothing away when we depart this life.
Jesus tells a parable about a man blessed with everything—land, harvest, plans, and barns. Yet, he lacks what truly matters: a soul aligned with God.
As we consider the story of Stephen, we often overlook this remarkable figure amid our Christmas celebrations. It may seem inconvenient that the first martyr is commemorated just after Jesus’ birth, yet it beautifully underscores the purpose of Christ’s coming—His name means ‘saves.’
I have a fondness for St Stephen. I was baptised and served at a church dedicated to him in Penguin, and I hold dear memories of St Stephen’s, Wynyard, and St Stephen’s Circular Head in Smithton. This Sunday, we will also be graced by a recital from Chris Trikilis, the Director of Music at St Stephen’s Catholic Cathedral in Brisbane.
Stephen was a man full of the Holy Spirit, not chosen for worldly strength or eloquence, but for his spiritual depth. His first task was one of hospitality, ensuring that the daily distribution of food was fair, especially for the vulnerable. In this simple yet crucial act, Stephen embodied God’s concern for the poor and overlooked.
However, Stephen did not merely serve at tables; he became a theologian of the kingdom, bearing witness to the crucified and risen Christ in both word and deed. Even as opposition arose, he did not cling to safety but held fast to the truth, even at great cost.
In a culture tempted by the allure of bigger barns and self-protection, Stephen urges us to live differently. He invites us to share generously, welcome strangers, speak truth boldly, forgive wholeheartedly, and focus on heaven while renewing the earth with sacrificial love and faith.
In Acts 7, we encounter the most profound moment of Stephen’s story. Filled with the Holy Spirit, he gazes into heaven and sees the glory of God and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. This vision is not merely a source of comfort before death; it is a revelation.
Stephen sees Jesus standing – not seated as is usual in Scripture – ready to receive Stephen’s testimony and welcome him home. In this moment, heaven opens before him. The veil between earth and glory is pulled back. Stephen observes that the power of the empire and violence is fleeting, while the reign of Christ is eternal.
Though the earthly court condemns him, the heavenly court affirms him. Accused of blasphemy, heaven declares him faithful. This is not just a personal vision; it is a theological statement: God stands with the martyr, not with the mob.
As Paul reminds us in Colossians, “Set your minds on things above… for you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.” Cyprian, in the third century, speaks of Jesus’ prayer as a communal plea for “our” bread, not just mine. To pray for daily bread while forgetting to share it when the prayer is answered is a grave misstep.(1)
Life is not merely about possessions; having more does not guarantee control. Stephen and Paul understood that our dependence on God and duty toward others are inseparable. Without a sense of those we live for and with, we drift away from them and from God.
Stephen’s ministry—from caring for Greek-speaking widows to boldly speaking before the Sanhedrin—shows a new humanity in Christ. As Paul states, all are one in Christ, beyond race, gender, class, or status. The kingdom of God appears not through dominance but through service; not through wealth but through witness; not through control but through communion with the crucified and risen Lord.
Now, let us contrast Stephen with the man in Jesus’ parable—one who built bigger barns but never opened his table. The man spoke only to himself—“I will say to my soul…”—not to God. He wanted to secure his future by hoarding, not sharing. His life ended with a divine rebuke: “You fool!” In contrast, Stephen committed his future to Christ, ending his life with a divine welcome: “Behold, I see the Son of Man.”
One man, endowed in riches, was poor in relationship with God. His focus on status blinded him to love for his neighbour. The other, with nothing but the treasure of heaven, overflowed with love to share.
So, how should we live? In a culture tempted by greed and self-protection, Stephen calls us to embrace the Messianic Mission.(2) He urges us to share bread with the hungry, welcome strangers, speak truth at personal cost, forgive amid hardship, and live with heaven in our hearts while renewing the earth. This is the true path of the Messiah’s mission, aligning us with the heart of God as we pray, “Your will be done, on earth as in heaven.”
This is what it means to pray the Lord’s Prayer with integrity—to live as citizens of heaven even now, aligning ourselves with the heart of God revealed in Christ, witnessed by Stephen, and offered to us.
Let us remember that Stephen died with his face toward heaven and his heart full of grace. He aligned his life so closely with Jesus that even his death echoed that of our Lord.
May we strive to become such people—individuals of vision who look beyond worldly values, people of hospitality who generously welcome others with God’s kindness, and those of alignment whose ordinary lives shine brightly with the light of the kingdom.
May we, like Stephen, attend to those in need, look up to heaven at our appointed hour, and behold the glory of God, where Jesus stands beside the throne of glory, bidding us, “Welcome, good and faithful servant.” Amen.
1 See Andrew McGowan, substack.com/@abmcg A Greedy (and Lonely) Fool 29/7/2025. In particular, the reference to Edge, an American Lutheran Youth publication of 1967, p. 29.
2 Luke 4:16–21
Summary:
- 1. Heart of God: The text reflects on God’s heart, revealed through Christ and exemplified by Stephen, the first martyr.
- It emphasises hospitality, vision, and alignment with God’s kingdom.
- 2. Vanity of Striving: Ecclesiastes reminds us that self-centred striving is futile.
- Psalm 49 advises against fearing others’ riches, as we leave this life empty-handed.
- 3. Stephen’s Life: Stephen is a model of spiritual depth and service.
- He prioritised fairness and care for the vulnerable over worldly strength.
- 4. Contrasting Lives: The parable contrasts a rich man who hoards with Stephen, who shares and serves.
- One seeks security in wealth, while the other finds it in faith and love.
- 5. Living the Mission: Stephen’s example calls us to embrace a life of service and generosity.
- We are urged to share, forgive, and focus on eternal values.
Breaking Open 