Stones flew, but the loudest sound was mercy. We unpack Stephen’s fierce clarity before the Sanhedrin, his sweeping retelling of salvation history, and the charge of being “stiff‑necked” that still lands today. As a deacon formed in daily service, Stephen learned to die to himself long before he faced a hail of stones, which is why he could answer violence with forgiveness and truth with tenderness. That union of conviction and charity—rooted in the Eucharist—turns a courtroom into a pulpit and a martyrdom into seed for the Church.
We walk through who Stephen was, why the apostles chose deacons, and how the early Church balanced preaching with practical charity. Then we press into the heart: what does it mean to have an uncircumcised heart and ears, and how do we move from outward signs to interior conversion? Along the way, we read the symbols—stones that cry out, a loaf of bread atop a martyr’s burden—and connect them to Jesus’ mercy toward the woman caught in adultery and his own words from the cross that Stephen echoes with his last breath.
Most of us won’t face red martyrdom, but white martyrdom meets us daily. Losing reputation, choosing integrity over applause, offering up small sacrifices, and serving when no one notices—all of it trains us to stand steady when it counts. If you’re hungry for a faith that is honest, courageous, and merciful, this conversation offers practical steps and deep encouragement to live the Gospel in public without losing your soul. If it resonates, share it with a friend, hit follow, and leave a review to help others find the show.
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Jordan Whiteko, Father Andrew Hamilton, Father Christopher Pujol, Vincent Reilly, Cliff Gorski, John Zylka, Sarah Hartner
