Most cradle Catholics have been raised on the stories of Martyrs. An honest reflection upon these stories would probably range from inspirational to horrifying. Ultimately though each story of a Martyr is challenging because it begs the question: what would I do?
Each of us have a three-fold relationship to martyrdom: me to the Martyr, martyrdom in me and me as a martyr to others.
Me to the Martyr. The Catechism states, "Martyrdom is the supreme witness given to the truth of the faith: it means bearing witness even unto death. The martyr bears witness to Christ who died and rose, to whom he is united by charity. He bears witness to the truth of the faith and of Christian doctrine" (CCC 2473).
In other words, the martyr becomes a verification, a confirmation or sign that Jesus and the teachings of the Church are authentically true. A martyr serves as a measuring stick of our own love and dedication to the King of Kings.
Martyrdom in me. Whether you consider it to be unfortunate or unbelievable or seemingly unattainable each one of us is called to the same dedication and level of love as a martyr.
Jesus said, "If any man would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it; and whoever loses his life for my sake, he will save it" (Lk 9:23,24). You can also look up Jn 12:24, Mt 10:38, Lk 14:33, Gal 2:20, Phil 3:8, Rom 6:6-8.
This is no different than simply asking, ‘What is the most important thing in your life?’ The Center of Applied Research for the Apostolate did a survey a little while back and only 14% of Catholics said that their Catholic faith was the most important part of their life. 14%! What would a Martyr say to that?
Last year I read a book called "God is Not Nice" by Ulrich Lehner. At one point he challenges the reader, "Is the religion we are living worth dying for?...If your faith is not worth sacrifices, find a nice hobby and don’t waste your time going to church" (pg. 111). It could seem like a cutting statement but any brief reflection upon martyrdom is offering the same challenge.
Me as a Martyr to Others. The word ‘martyr’ literally means ‘witness.’ As already stated, the Martyrs are witnesses to us of the Truth of Christ and call us on to that same commitment. If we strive for that same kind of faith, then we can truly be witnesses in our world today.
If we die to ourselves, live each day as if Jesus Christ is the most important part of our life, and love Him and neighbor then our WITNESS will be bountifully fruitful. Our family, friends, co-workers, neighbors, and strangers will see in us what was so powerfully expressed in the death of each Martyr…That Jesus Christ is King and to Him be the Glory!
Blog by:
Casting Nets Ministries