An Exhortation to Martyrdom


Therefore, I beseech you to remember in all your present contest the great reward laid up in heaven for those who are persecuted and reviled for righteousness’ sake, and to be glad and leap for joy on account of the Son of Man, just as the apostles once rejoiced when they were counted worthy to suffer dishonor for His name. And if you should ever perceive your soul drawing back, let the mind of Christ, which is in us, say to it, when it wishes to trouble that mind as much as it can, “Why are you sorrowful, my soul, and why do you disquiet me? Hope in God, for I shall yet give him thanks.” I pray that our souls may never be disquieted, and even more that in the presence of the tribunals and of the naked swords drawn against our necks they may be guarded by the peace of God, which passes all understanding, and may be quieted when they consider that those who are foreigners from the body are at home with the Lord of all. But if we are not so strong as always to preserve calm, at least let not the disquiet of the soul be poured forth or appear to strangers, so that we may say to Him, “My God, my soul is disquieted in me.” The Word exhorts us to remember also what is said in Isaiah as follows, “Fear not the reproach of men, and be not dismayed at their contempt.” For since God clearly rules over the motion of heaven and what is in it and over what is accomplished on earth and sea by His divine skill -the births, origins, foods, and growths of all the different animals and plants- it is foolish to close our eyes and not look to God, but instead turn our eyes toward the fear of those who will soon die and be handed over to judgment according to their deserts.

-Origen

While many of us don't have to worry about martyrdom, there are many people in other countries who die for their faith daily. Some examples are Christians in China or Christians living among muslims in the Middle East. Most people reading this blog may not face the persecution that those Christians are going through, however many have experienced a subtler form of persecution: anti-Catholicism. Many people who are anti-Catholic aren't against Catholicism, but rather what they perceive Catholicism to be. The problem is so widespread that there is even a book out called Anti-Catholicism in America: The Last Acceptable Prejudice.

As Catholics (or soon to be), we should never be afraid to defend our faith when someone attacks it. Rather, we should look at it as an opportuniy to educate non-Catholics. We would also do well to educate more Catholics. All of the Catholics I have talked to who have left to join a Protestant church or non-denominational church have done so because they misunderstood Catholic teaching. So they go and talk to a non-Catholic who reinforces their false view of Catholicism. The late John Paul the Great called for a "New Evangelization" at the beginning of this millenium, however I think we should rather call for a "New Catechisis." For, how can we evangelize if we don't know our faith?

So learn and defend your faith! "And if you should ever perceive your soul drawing back, let the mind of Christ, which is in us, say to it, when it wishes to trouble that mind as much as it can, 'Why are you sorrowful, my soul, and why do you disquiet me? Hope in God, for I shall yet give him thanks.'”