June 01 2021 - St. Justin Martyr - The only true and worthwhile philosophy

 A few decades after the death of the Apostle John, a young philosopher named Justin embarked on a spiritual journey to find truth. One day, he noticed an old man walking at a distance behind him. Wanting to be left alone, he turned and stared with annoyance at the elderly man. However, the old man, who turned out to be a Christian, struck up a conversation and learned that Justin was a philosopher. The old man then began to ask Justin some soul-searching questions, helping Justin to discover the truth of the Christian faith.

As Justin later reminisced, “When the old man had spoken these and many other things, he left, encouraging me to think about what he had said. I’ve never seen him since, but immediately a flame was kindled in my soul. I was overwhelmed by a love for the prophets and the friends of Christ. After pondering over the things the old man had said, I realized that Christianity was the only true and worthwhile philosophy.” Consider that! How an old nameless Christian changed the life of this young philosopher!

St. Justin went on to use his tremendous gifts of intellect and reason to win converts to Christ. He went from town to town giving lectures about the faith to those hungry for the truth of Jesus Christ and debating pagan philosophers.

While in Rome, a pagan philosopher named Crescens became enraged when he could not defeat Justin in debate. So Crescens had Justin arrested for the faith, and when Justin refused to offer pagan sacrifice, he was beheaded.

Several of Justin’s writings survive, including a letter written to the emperor Antoninus, in which Justin seeks to explain Christianity to the emperor. The letter contains some of the earliest descriptions of baptism and the weekly celebration of the eucharist.

Listen to Justin’s teaching on the Eucharist from around the year 150.

“And this food is called among us Eukaristia [the Eucharist], of which no one is allowed to partake but the man who believes that the things which we teach are true, and who has been washed with the washing that is for the remission of sins, and unto regeneration, and who is so living as Christ has enjoined. For not as common bread and common drink do we receive these; but in like manner as Jesus Christ our Saviour, having been made flesh by the Word of God, had both flesh and blood for our salvation, so likewise have we been taught that the food which is blessed by the prayer of His word, and from which our blood and flesh by transmutation are nourished, is the flesh and blood of that Jesus who was made flesh.”

Through the example and heavenly intercession of Justin Martyr may we be bearers and defenders of the Christian faith to all we meet, witnessing to the saving power of Christ in our words and deeds 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.