Holy Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint Luke 21, 5-19
While some people were speaking about how the temple was adorned with costly stones and votive offerings, Jesus said,
“All that you see here–the days will come when there will not be left a stone upon another stone that will not be thrown down.”
Then they asked him, “Teacher, when will this happen? And what sign will there be when all these things are about to happen?”
He answered, “See that you not be deceived, for many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am he,’ and ‘The time has come.’ Do not follow them!
When you hear of wars and insurrections, do not be terrified; for such things must happen first, but it will not immediately be the end.”
Then he said to them, “Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom.
There will be powerful earthquakes, famines, and plagues from place to place; and awesome sights and mighty signs will come from the sky.”
Before all this happens, however, they will seize and persecute you, they will hand you over to the synagogues and to prisons, and they will have you led before kings and governors because of my name.
It will lead to your giving testimony.
Remember, you are not to prepare your defense beforehand,
for I myself shall give you a wisdom in speaking that all your adversaries will be powerless to resist or refute.
You will even be handed over by parents, brothers, relatives, and friends, and they will put some of you to death.
You will be hated by all because of my name,
but not a hair on your head will be destroyed.
By your perseverance you will secure your lives.”
Martyrdom. Types of martyrdom
1) Physical martyrdom. It is the martyrdom which is suffered by so many of our brothers and sisters around the world, in Iraq, Iran, so many countries in Asia, and elsewhere. They are the martyrs who give their lives for the love of Jesus. That is truly a trial by fire. Situations like those show our true self. If today someone said to you, “Either you renounce being a Christian or you will be killed”, what would you do? This is how the Church grows, thanks to those who give their lives for Jesus.
2) Psychological martyrdom. This refers to when there is an imposition of a way of thinking which is different from the one you were taught. This happens when they want to impose thoughts or so-called ‘values’ which are opposed to your Christian values. And wrong is imposed as if it were right, and you are told that what is right, is wrong. And if you do not agree with what is enforced, you are considered “old-fashioned”, “genocidal” or whatever. Imagine me, just because I am a priest, I am not even asked what I think. This is also a sort of martyrdom, you are killed in the press, in the community or in your family. Some go out to embarrass you or destroy you publicly.
3) Spiritual martyrdom. This refers to when you are ignored in your spiritual and prayer life. You can even experience this within your own religion when people want to lead you to believe that if you belong to this or that church movement or group, then you are fine. If you pray like this or that, it is perfect, but if you belong to such and such a group, then you are not. How ugly it is when certain people or groups want to impose on you their way of relating to God, different from the way which you may have brought with you since you were a child. That is also a type of martyrdom.
Today, let’s ask Jesus that whatever the martyrdom we experience is, it may bring greater fruits to the Church and peace to our hearts.
God bless you in the name of the Father, of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. And don’t forget that Heaven is our goal.
