Saint Stephen Intercession in Suffering

Continued 👇🏾 Saint Stephen: Intercession in Suffering Another shining example is Saint Stephen, the first martyr of the Church. As his persecutors stoned him, he knelt and lifted his voice in mercy rather than hatred: “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” (Acts 7:60) Even in death, his heart was filled with love. The stones that broke his body could not silence his prayer for those who harmed him. Among those who consented to Stephen’s death was a young man named Saul. But God, who hears the prayers of His saints, accepted Stephen’s intercession and transformed Saul into Paul, the Apostle of the Nations the Light of the World. Through Stephen’s prayer, a persecutor became a preacher, and the one who once destroyed the Church became its greatest builder. The Saints’ Intercession in Heaven (After Their Rest) The grace and authority that God granted to His saints while they lived on earth is not taken away from them after their departure from this life. Their intercession continues even in their spiritual state after death. In Luke 16:19–31, when both the rich man and Lazarus died, the rich man who had ignored Lazarus lying at his gate found himself in torment, while Lazarus was comforted in the bosom of Abraham. In his thirst, the rich man pleaded with Abraham to send Lazarus to give him even a drop of water, realizing too late the injustice of his earthly life. Abraham answered that the rich man was suffering justly for his evil deeds, while Lazarus was comforted because of the righteousness he had shown on earth. The rich man then begged Abraham to warn his five brothers still living on earth. From this story, we can understand that if even sinners in torment care for their loved ones and pray for them, how much more will the saints friends of God intercede for us with mercy and love. After their rest, the saints no longer need to fast, pray, or endure suffering as they did on earth. Instead, they remember the good works and covenants they made while alive. Their merits and holy deeds accompany them beyond the grave, as it is written: “Their works follow them.” (Revelation 14:13) From their heavenly dwelling, they assist and glorify God on behalf of those who trust in their prayers, remember their names, and call upon them in faith. The Book of Enoch testifies: “From there my eyes saw their dwelling place with the angels and their dwelling place with the saints. And they make intercession for the sons of men.” (Enoch 9:22–23) “The righteous who dwell in heaven join together in one voice and give thanks. And they make intercession for men.” (Enoch 12:34) If the saints could perceive divine mysteries while they were still in the body, how much more clearly do they understand them now, clothed in heavenly glory and spiritual perfection? The Saints as Mediators of Mercy By the grace given to them, the saints continually intercede with God for those who believe in their covenant, remember their memory, and pray in their name. When a sinner repents and prays with faith in the intercession of the saints, God out of His great mercy reconciles and forgives for the sake of His beloved servants. As Moses pleaded before God, saying: “Remember your servants Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, to whom You swore by Your own self.” (Exodus 32:13) So too, the saints now intercede in heaven, reminding God of His promises and His everlasting mercy toward those who love Him. part 7 Continues ... May the name of the Holy God be praised forever and ever in every tongue that He has created, today and always. May the blessings of God's mother, the virgin, and the cross be upon us. Amen. © John's Repentance Reach out to us on our social media platforms and share it with your friends:https://linktr.ee/johnsrepentance