Acts 7:51 - 8:1 / John 6:30-35
Just mention the word "martyrdom" and that would invoke thoughts of pain and unimaginable cruel torture that would end in a bloody death.
We would also be able to imagine the groans and screams of pain and the evil laughter of the torturers.
Certainly it is horrible and terrible to think that human beings can torture another human being to the point of death.
But why would the martyrs accept such horrible tortures and eventual death? They could have just renounced their faith and denied Jesus and saved themselves from torture and death.
In the 1st reading, Stephen already knew he was in mortal danger and he could have just admitted to the accusations and saved his life.
Instead, he went on to say things that infuriated his accusers. Then filled with the Holy Spirit, he gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God and Jesus standing at God's right hand. And he even told his accusers what he say.
That was the final straw for his accusers and they became his executioners.
But as he was being stoned to death, Stephen did not scream in pain or agony. Rather he said in invocation: Lord Jesus, receive my spirit. And he even implored the Lord not to hold this sin against his enemies.
Stephen died a violent death. But he died in peace. For him the turmoil and tribulations of this life cannot be compared to the eternal glory that was awaiting him in heaven.
To believe that requires faith. That faith has its foundations in believing that Jesus is the Bread of Life. When we truly believe that, we will be able to face the turmoil and tribulations of life.