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December 26
Stephen, James, Desmond Tutu, and John Cobb
David Barnhart
December 26, 2025
Relief from the Rock of Cashel, 2022. Own photo.
Today, the day after Christmas, marks the feast days of two major saints, one in the Western Church and one in the Eastern. The Roman Catholic Church and Episcopal churches observe today as Saint Stephen’s Day. Stephen was the first martyr of the church, and his story is told in Acts 6-7. The Eastern Orthodox Church observes today as the Feast of James, the brother of Jesus.
Today marks the death, in 2021, of Bishop Desmond Tutu, priest and anti-apartheid activist who help create the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of South Africa.
Today also marks the death, in 2024, of John Cobb, whose birthday we observed on February 9. He was a process theologian who emphasized creation care.
Reflection:
John Cobb wrote:
“Atoms acquire different properties when they are arranged in different molecular structures because these different structures constitute different environments. Instead of viewing molecules as machines, we should view them as ecosystems."
Desmond Tutu said:
“I am not interested in picking up crumbs of compassion thrown from the table of someone who considers himself my master. I want the full menu of rights.”
Prayer: Holy Spirit, may our hearts and minds be transformed by the understanding that everything is in relation to everything else. Amen.