Today, we commemorate the Memorial of Saint Justin Martyr, who was basically a Christian philosopher and apologist who was martyred in the 2nd century AD. According to his own account, which is recorded by his student and biographer, Tatian, Justin Martyr was arrested in 165 AD and executed in Rome during the reign of Emperor Marcus Aurelius Antoninus (161-180 AD).
Along with six other Christians, he was brought before the Roman prefect, Rusticus. Justin was accused of being a Christian and of persuading others to abandon their pagan worship. He was asked to renounce his faith, and after refusing he was subjected to physical torture, including being scourged and burned with hot irons. Despite this, he remained steadfast in his love for Christ and refused to renounce his beliefs.
After they were tortured, he and the other six were beheaded. According to tradition, Saint Justin himself requested the method of execution, saying that he would rather die by the sword than by fire or crucifixion. How horrific must crucifixion have been, and what a reminder of how much our Lord suffered for us!
The martyrdom of this marvellous saint is recorded in the writings of Eusebius, a Church historian who lived in the 3rd century AD. Eusebius writes that Justin Martyr was executed on February 11, 165 AD, during the reign of Emperor Marcus Aurelius.
Justin Martyr's martyrdom is significant not only because it highlights his bravery and devotion to his faith, but also because it illustrates the persecution of Christians during the Roman Empire.
As we reflect on his life and witness, we are reminded of the importance of defending our faith in a world that often rejects its teachings.
In our reading from Jude, we are cautioned about the dangers of false teachings and the need to build ourselves up on our most holy faith. We are reminded to pray in the Holy Spirit and to keep ourselves in the love of God. These words take on special significance in today's world, where many people are tempted by false prophets and seductive ideologies, a reality which the good and courageous saints like Justin Martyr and his companions battled on a daily basis. Let’s be careful to not espouse the ideologies of mere mortal, and prideful men, and not to befriend the world which is here one day, and tomorrow fades away with everything else in the universe.
God has given us an authority, in the teaching magisterium of the Church, wherein we can be certain that truth is being presented to us. It is infallible authority, always at the service of God’s people, because it comes from Jesus himself. In our reading from Mark's Gospel, Jesus is confronted by the chief priests and scribes about his authority. He responds by asking them a question: "Was the baptism of John from heaven or from men?" This question is not just about John's baptism but also about Jesus' own authority. If they answered that it was from men, then the entire nation would be angry at them and revolt given they extolled John as a living saint and prophet of God. If they answered that John’s baptism was from heaven, then John who proclaimed Jesus as the true Messiah finally arrived from God, would also have to be accepted. So.. they remained mute. They didn’t answer. They saw their dilemma. But rather than concede to the logic, they hardened their hearts, and this is what pride does… it creates walls that separate us as opposed to humility which facilitates bridges that unite us, not only with one another, but with God.
This question is a powerful reminder that our faith must be grounded Jesus. We cannot simply follow our own desires or opinions but must be guided by the teaching our Lord which he entrusted to the safekeeping of the Church. As Saint Justin Martyr wrote in his famous Apology: "The bishops and elders are responsible for guiding and governing the community, and they are successors to the apostles" Apology, 1.67.
Many false teachers, prophets, charlatans, wolves in sheep’s clothing, thieves and murderers will come, who will not spare the flock, but God has also sent us protectors of the faith—valiant, courageous and bold in the face of persecution, willing to lay down their lives so that others may find it in our Lord. And when all things disappear, the glory of the martyrs will continue to shine in eternity, where it is said that their wounds will be eternal reminders to all those in heaven, of the love they bore Christ on earth and a divine radiance will shine forth from those wounds, to the glory of the One, who wore the crown of pain, the crown of thorns, having forsaken the crown of gold that this world wanted to bestow on him. We can only imagine the radiance that shines from the head of our Lord, who even at the transfiguration his face became like the sun!
May Saint Justin Martyr's example inspire us to be courageous defenders of our faith and to always seek guidance from God's word. May we remain faithful to Christ's teachings and be willing to give witness to our faith even in the face of adversity. Amen.
Add comment
Comments