So how fitting, June transitions into July with three days of martyrs, St. Ireneaus, Saints Peter and Paul, and today the Holy Martyrs of Rome, who in imitation of the Sacred Heart shined with the light of truth and endured suffering for the Gospel, whose Blood, like the Precious Blood of Christ is poured out as a sign of God’s love.
We may think it strange that we almost seem to fixate on these bloody deaths, but I think Mother Church in her wisdom wants us to keep the image of martyrdom always in our sights. We are not to forget about these people. They are Christianity exemplified.
They are the ones who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness. They are the ones who do not worry when they stand for judges and kings. They are the ones who love and forgive their persecutors. They are the ones who though betrayed by brother and father, they are the good and faithful servants who persevere to the end. They are the ones who, as Our Lord promised, will on his account be brought before governors and kings as witnesses to them and the Gentiles, who take Christ at his word, “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.” They are the ones who as St. Peter says, rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. “
I think Mother Church celebrates these martyrs so frequently, even throughout Ordinary Time that we may imitate their courage in our day to day, Ordinary sharing of the Gospel, their perseverance in the day to day Ordinary struggle against temptation, their forbearance in remaining patient with those who don’t quite get it, their spirit of mercy in forgiving those who persecute, and of course their all-consuming offering of the whole of their lives to Christ. The gift of self to God being the point of life, the purpose of life.
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| Christian heroes and martyrs | William A. Foster | The Library of Congress |
May the martyrs lend us their courage and standing up for the Gospel, for spreading the Truth of Christ, that share in the triumph of their faithful love for the glory of God and salvation of souls.
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That our bishops and clergy may be zealous in preaching and teaching the truth of the Gospel, and that our future bishop of the diocese of Cleveland may be a man of true faith and the Holy Spirit.
That this fortnight of prayer for religious freedom may help people of faith remain vigilant in defending their religious liberty and that Christ may govern the minds of those who govern to promote the religious freedom and the common good according to his will.
That the witness of the martyrs may never be in vain.
For all the needs of the sick and the suffering, the homebound, those in nursing homes and hospitals, the underemployed and unemployed, victims of natural disaster, war, and terrorism, for all those who grieve the loss of a loved one, and those who will die today, for their comfort, and the consolation of their families.
For the repose of the souls of our beloved dead, for all of the poor souls in purgatory, for the deceased members of our families, friends, and parish, for the deceased priests and religious of the diocese of Cleveland, and for those who have fought and died for our freedom.
Incline your merciful ear to our prayers, we ask, O Lord, and listen in kindness to the supplications of those who call on you. Through Christ our Lord.
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