Memorial of Saint Justin, martyr
Readings for the Day
Biographical Information about Saint Justin, martyr
First Published: Thursday, June 01, 2006
Apology
Reflection:
It is said that the blood of the martyrs is the seed of the Church. It is through their shining example of faith that the salvific power of the Lord is revealed and spread. In martyrdom we also find a question we hope is never asked; could I find that faith and courage to lay down my life for my faith?
I do not think it is wrong to pray that we may never be put to the test, but unless we are, will we know we have the strength of conviction? There are indicators in our lives. Do we hold fast to our convictions in the face of pressure from our peers in social situations? (If we do we are probably not the life of the party, eh?) Do we speak out against injustice in the name of the Lord?
If the answer to the above questions are no or sometimes then we need to worry. Over the years, the enemies of the faith have found that a frontal attack on it is not effective. The faithful band together in the face of such threats and defeat for the enemys cause follows. Today, the enemies work within the systems we have put in place. We see attacks in our communities dont think so ask your local government to put up a nativity on public property and see how quickly the decision would be challenged in the courts.
In the world today our faith, Christianity, is being attached. In places like the Middle East (Iran, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, and Pakistan) professing or worshiping our Lord publicly carries the death sentence (U.S. troops stationed in those regions may not mention their faith outside their bases). In other places like China and east Asia it is restricted severely and viewed as a threat to the political system. In China recently, the state actually appointed a number of Catholic Bishops against the will of the Vatican. That controversy is still on-going.
The Lord tells us in todays Gospel from John: I pray not only for these, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, so that they may all be one It is clear from what we know of the world today, in spite of all our efforts, the world is still divided, even with in Christianity.
Today, let our payer be that of Christ our Savior that all the world may hear the word of God and believe and in believing become one. Pax
Readings for the Day
Biographical Information about Saint Justin, martyr
First Published: Thursday, June 01, 2006
Apology
Reflection:
It is said that the blood of the martyrs is the seed of the Church. It is through their shining example of faith that the salvific power of the Lord is revealed and spread. In martyrdom we also find a question we hope is never asked; could I find that faith and courage to lay down my life for my faith?
I do not think it is wrong to pray that we may never be put to the test, but unless we are, will we know we have the strength of conviction? There are indicators in our lives. Do we hold fast to our convictions in the face of pressure from our peers in social situations? (If we do we are probably not the life of the party, eh?) Do we speak out against injustice in the name of the Lord?
If the answer to the above questions are no or sometimes then we need to worry. Over the years, the enemies of the faith have found that a frontal attack on it is not effective. The faithful band together in the face of such threats and defeat for the enemys cause follows. Today, the enemies work within the systems we have put in place. We see attacks in our communities dont think so ask your local government to put up a nativity on public property and see how quickly the decision would be challenged in the courts.
In the world today our faith, Christianity, is being attached. In places like the Middle East (Iran, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, and Pakistan) professing or worshiping our Lord publicly carries the death sentence (U.S. troops stationed in those regions may not mention their faith outside their bases). In other places like China and east Asia it is restricted severely and viewed as a threat to the political system. In China recently, the state actually appointed a number of Catholic Bishops against the will of the Vatican. That controversy is still on-going.
The Lord tells us in todays Gospel from John: I pray not only for these, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, so that they may all be one It is clear from what we know of the world today, in spite of all our efforts, the world is still divided, even with in Christianity.
Today, let our payer be that of Christ our Savior that all the world may hear the word of God and believe and in believing become one. Pax
posted by Deacon Jim | 3:23 AM
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