Justin was born around the year 100 in the Holy Land, and was the son of pagan nobles, so he was not raised in the faith. But he was very well educated, studying poetry, history and science, and he was deeply schooled in the ancient Greek philosophers, but the Truth of God eluded him.
One day, Justin was walking by the sea near Caesarea and there he met an old man. And they began to walk and talk together about philosophy and truth. When the man revealed himself to be a Christian, Justin argued vehemently against Christianity. But finally the old man curtly cut him off, saying "You are a mere dealer in words, but no lover of action and truth; your aim is not to be a practiser of good, but a clever arguer, a cunning sophist." And when finally Justin put the question to the old man: "Where then is truth?" the old man replied, "Search the Scriptures and pray that the gates of light may be opened to you, for none can perceive and comprehend these things except God and His Christ grant them understanding."
Justin writes about what happened when he took up thr old man’s challenge: “A fire was suddenly kindled in my soul. I fell in love with the prophets and those who loved Christ. I reflected on all their words and found this philosophy alone was true and profitable.”
The old man, a simple Christian, was able to point this young person, Justin, with his superior education, to the Truth---to not love just words, words, words, but action, truth, goodness, and beauty.
Saints are not just born saints. They encounter Truth and goodness and beauty in the witness of the Church first. You don’t have to have a doctorate in theology to win converts, you just have to practice the good and tell the truth when it is your turn to tell it.
That old man set Justin on the path of holiness. And yes, Justin would certainly go on to use his tremendous intellectual gifts in service of the Church. Justin was one of the greatest apologists of his time: defending the faith against its enemies and explaining the faith for believers.
In Rome, he was arrested for practicing Christianity. Before the judge, Justin was asked, "Do you think that by dying you will enter heaven and be rewarded?" "I don't just think so," the saint answered. "I am sure of it!" He was given the opportunity to renounce the faith and save his life; instead he defended the faith and clearly explained it, with his dying breaths. He was put to death as a martyr by beheading along with six of his students, five men and one woman, in the year 166.
There are times when each of us will be called upon by God to defend our faith and clearly explain the faith. In the early days of the Church, God chose Justin to spread the truth of the faith. He fearlessly defended the gospel of Christ before the powers and principalities and rulers of the day. Through his prayers may we be bearers and defenders of the Christian faith to all we meet, witnessing to the saving power of Christ for the glory of God and salvation of souls.
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For openness to the Holy Spirits gifts, that we may be always bold and clear in spreading and defending the Gospel.
That the faith of the martyrs may give us courage in times of persecution.
For our young people beginning summer vacation, that they may be kept close to the truth and heart of Jesus.
That the love of Christ, the divine physician, may bring healing to the sick and comfort to all the suffering.
For the deceased members of our families, friends, and parish, for the deceased priests and religious of the diocese of Cleveland, for the poor souls in purgatory, and for those who have fought and died for our freedom.
O God, who know that our life in this present age is subject to suffering and need, hear the prayers of those who cry to you and receive the prayers of those who believe in you. Through Christ our Lord.
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