Who were the First Martyrs of the Holy Roman Church? They were men, women, and children who had converted from Judaism to Christianity. They died for Christ. We do not know their names but they are all saints.
In 64 AD, the Great Fire of Rome occurred. Rumor was that the Emperor Nero wanted to make space for his new palace and, therefore, razed the fires. He in turn shifted the blame to the new christians and had them arrested, questioned, tortured and killed.
Nero was known for his cruelty. He covered the christians with animal skins and allowed wild dogs and lions to tear them apart. He nailed them to the cross. Dousing them with oil he set them on fire so they could be luminaries for his garden.
Do we have the courage and the tenacity to be saints? Can these martyrs arouse us to imitate them? In the present time, catholics are ridiculed, the law goes after them if they refuse to make a wedding cake for same sex marriages, if they speak up for the nascent baby they run the risk of intimidation, or are ridiculed if they have conservative views. Beware of the boss who does not allow wearing a cross necklace. Priests are cancelled, chastised or removed from their parishes if their message on morality and the ten commandments are not met with the approval of the congregation.
In Genesis 1:27, we read that we are made in the image of God. Are we prepared to share in the suffering and death of Jesus? We rely on the Holy Spirit to help us be martyrs for Jesus Christ.
We pray if that day should come that we say the words, "I will do it".
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