August 7 2024 - St Sixtus II, Pope, and Companions, Martyrs - Docile in believing the faith

 In the third century, the Roman Emperor Valerian ordered that Christians had to take part in the state religious ceremonies. He also forbade them from assembling for Christian worship, threatening with death anyone who was found to disobey the order.  St. Sixtus II was Pope during this terrible time.  And for nearly a year Sixtus functioned as Pope, administering the Church. He famously worked to resolve a conflict with certain Eastern churches over the rebaptism of converted heretics. 

In August of 258, Emperor Valerian issued a far crueler edict.  It simply and coldly ordered that all bishops, priests, and deacons be put to death. On August 6, 258, Pope Sixtus II and four deacons, were seized while celebrating Mass in the Catacombs of Callistus in Rome.  They were beheaded that same day. 

The opening prayer of today’s mass asked God by the power of the Holy Spirit to make us docile in believing the faith and courageous in confessing it. 

What does it mean to be docile in believing the faith? The words doctor, doctrine, and docility are all etymologically connected. To be docile means to be teachable—to be open to the teaching of the doctrine by the doctor—the learned one. So the opening prayer is asking God to help us to continue to be teachable. We are never too old, or too learned, that we should be unteachable in the matters of the faith—in the way of Christ. 

Two obstacles particularly stand out which make us resistant to being teachable at any age: the first is pride, the second is laziness. Pride says, I have nothing to learn, I know everything, the Church has nothing to teach me. Laziness, says, egh, it’s too much effort to learn anymore, I don’t have the energy to be open to new things, the bible is too heavy. But to be a disciple of Jesus is to be open to lifelong learning of what it means to be good, holy, courageous, wise, and loving.

It is significant that we have this reminder to be open to being taught on the feast of these martyrs. The martyrs are very important teachers. The Church’s prayer is that we learn from their example. 

The martyrs teach us what courage looks like in proclaiming the Gospel in the face of hostile forces, what witness looks like, what trusting in God looks like when the powers of hell are bent against us. They teach us what faith, hope, and love look like. We are to believe in the teachings of Christ with the faith of the martyrs. We are to place our hope in heaven, with the hope of the martyrs. We are to love God enough and love neighbor enough that our lives become a light for others. 

Holy Spirit, make us docile to the lessons of the martyrs, for the glory of God and the salvation of souls.

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For the Church: That we may be inspired by the courage of the martyrs, remaining steadfast in our faith even in the face of persecution. 

For docility of faith: That we may remain open to learning and growing in our faith, overcoming pride and laziness and For the grace of witness: That our lives may become a light for others, reflecting the faith, hope, and love exemplified by the saints. Let us pray to the Lord.

That politicians and government officials may protect religious freedom, promote virtue, and look to the law of Christ to guide their work for the good of nations and the human race.

That in facing trials, illness, or suffering of any kind, all people may find strength and consolation in the promises of Christ and the grace of his mercy. Let us pray to the Lord.

For all who have died, and for all the poor souls in purgatory, and for X. for whom this Mass is offered.

Heavenly Father, hear our prayers, and grant us what we truly need to be docile in faith and courageous in witness, through Christ Our Lord.