I will walk in the presence of the Lord, in the land of the living. — Psalm 115:9

Mass readings: Genesis 22:1-19 / Matthew 9:1-8 

The Martyrs Ask 

My second grade teacher, Sister Eugenia, published articles and even a novel about the lives of the saints. And she would tell us the saints’ stories in class. I liked the martyrs best. Of course, their gruesome endings fascinated a 7-year-old boy. But there was always the implicit question: Faced with a choice between torture or betraying my faith, what would I do? 

That question scared me then and it scares me now. And the question isn’t obsolete. There are Catholic martyrs in every age. Just in the last century Catholics have been persecuted for their faith in the southern United States, in Europe, in China, in Africa, and in the Middle East. Jesus constantly tells me that this earthly life is not my true life. Do I trust Him? 

Prayer: Jesus, You died for me. Give me the strength each day to live for You.