For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it (Mt 16:25)
Today, the Church remembers the First Holy Martyrs of the Holy Roman Church.? These Christians, who were murdered by Nero in the year 64 AD, paid the ultimate price for the Faith.? While it’s important to recognize their heroic contributions, it’s even more important to imitate them.
WHAT?? Be a martyr?? Are you serious?
While we should all be willing to die for our faith if necessary, let’s not forget that there are many ways to be a “martyr”.??Any time we stand up for Jesus and His Catholic Church and are subject to insults, anger, verbal or physical abuse, we are being figuratively “martyred”.? Although it’s not easy, we can call upon the Holy Spirit’s?gift of fortitude.? We also can take comfort in Our Lord’s promise that we’ll be rewarded for our sacrifice.
Through the intercession of the First Holy Martyrs of the Holy Roman Church, may we always have the courage to defend our Catholic Faith…
even when it requires suffering!
