Today the Catholic Church celebrates the memorial of the First Holy Martyrs of the Holy Roman Church. I remember as a child in Catholic elementary school being fascinated by the stories of the martyrs. I remember being particularly struck by the stories of the early missionaries to the American Indians, like St. Isaac Jogues, who was tortured and killed by the Iroquois.
Today’s feast memorializes those sometimes called the “Protomartyrs of Rome.” They were tortured and killed in the first persecution against the Church, initiated by the Emperor Nero after the burning of Rome. (Having burned Rome to cover his own crimes, Nero accused the Christians of doing the burning.) It is reported that some were burned as human torches, some crucified and others fed to wild animals. Their matryrdom occurred prior to the deaths of Sts. Peter and Paul and it is said that the courage and steadfastness of the martyrs in the face of the torture and death was such a powerful testimony that many became converts to the Church.
I read or hear the accounts of the martyrs and I wonder, could I be that strong? Would I be able to show that kind of courage and faith if I were forced to face that kind of suffering? (Or, like Peter, would I deny knowing the Lord to save my skin?)
How I would so love to say confidently, Hey, no problem…sure I could do what they did. And yet a part of me whispers, please do not put me to the test. And so I sigh and I pray for greater faith…greater trust….greater courage. And I pray that if I am put to the test, that God will give me the courage and the strength and faith of the martyrs.