Feast of the Early Martyrs of Rome
Readings
Amos 3:1-8; 4:11-12
Matthew 8: 23-27
Reflection
Following yesterday’s feast of Sts Peter and Paul, today the church celebrates the feast of the early martyrs of Rome. General opinion is that Peter was martyred in 64CE and Paul in 67 CE.
Nearly one thousand early Christian martyrs were the victims of political ill-will. The ‘great fire’ as it is referred to, destroyed 75% of Rome. It broke out in the tourist shops around the Circus Maximus in July 64CE and burned for nine days. The emperor, Nero blamed Christians for the fire and began a persecution against them. Interestingly, he has been described as extravagant, impulsive, tyrannical, violent, and a madman, so he is not alone in history.
The tragedy of these martyrdoms is the horror of how they died and the cruelty inflicted on them. Writings relate, “Some of them were sewn into the bellies of animals while still alive and then fed to wild dogs to be torn to pieces. Others were coated with wax and lit on fire at night as torches in Nero’s gardens while he entertained guests. Still others were crucified.
Innocent followers of the man of peace, lost their lives in a most inhumane way. These women and men witnessed profoundly to their faith in Jesus and paid a terrible price, we are reminded that our lives too are to be lived as faithful witnesses of Jesus who expressed this clearly by saying, “by this will people know that you are my disciples; that you have love for one another”.
When we seek courage and direction for this task, we can be strengthened by today’s gospel in which a group of experienced fisherman asked a carpenter to save them from a storm at sea! When he did save them, they were amazed!!!
Would we ask for help? Would we be amazed by the outcome? Would our belief enable us to be like those early martyred Christians?
Brian Traynor CP has been involved in faith formation for many years especially in the form of parish missions and through the Passionist Family Group Movement. Brian is a member of the Passionist community at Holy Cross, Templestowe.