Martys Our Roots in Faith

 

Rooted in Christ

Martyrs are people who were so rooted in Christ that not even death could separate them from Him. They were not satisfied with any sort of mediocrity or superficiality in their following Christ. They understood what the Master said in his conclusion of the sermon on the mountain: “Everyone who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock” (Mt 7: 24). It may be hard to appropriate the message of the Gospel to one’s life, but whoever accepts the challenge and the newness that Jesus’ message offers really builds on the rock that can’t be shaken. I just hear an invitation not only for the followers of Jesus but for all who are looking for lasting meaning in life not to be satisfied with the quick-fix answers of the world. These only foster superficiality at its best. At its worst, they promote addictions which leave many people enslaved.

Martyrs discovered a treasure in Jesus. This treasure was so precious that they were ready to give up everything (even their earthly lives) in order to possess it. The Spirit of truth guided them in their discernment so as to give up the many “goods” in order to embrace the Good (Jesus Christ). That is what conversion calls for.

The Master Himself reminds us: “No one can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other.” (Mt 6: 24) The challenge to be embraced, if Christians are to emulate the martyrs, is to invoke the Holy Spirit for guidance so that they can really distinguish what is from God and what is human-made.

The Apostles themselves who were the first witnesses understood that it meant to set priorities: “We must obey God rather than human beings!” (Acts 5:29). It was in the power of the Holy Spirit that they were able to give such a courageous witness.

Witnesses and not celebrities

Just as Jesus himself never wanted to be celebrated, so are his true witnesses. As we look at the witness and challenge of martyrs, we ought to keep our eyes fixed on the One they followed. Jesus never looked for fans but disciples who would be His witnesses in the whole world. The disciples of Jesus filled their areas of influence with the teaching of the resurrection (see Acts 5: 28). Those who were in power tried to silence them, but it was impossible for them to keep quiet. The witness of true martyrs disturbs those who wish to take the place of God in others’ lives. The foundation of all this is in Jesus’ own

witness to the truth which costed him life. Whoever stands for the truth must be ready to stand alone especially when the powers that be are threatened. That is why they apply the best known method of elimination. They say: “We have a law and according to this law he ought to die!” (Jn 19: 7).

Those who desire to be celebrated (celebrities) are ready to compromise the truth. Unfortunately, we have more of these in our modern society than testimonies who can empower others especially the youths. The Martyrs of Uganda, who were themselves young people, pose a challenge as to whether true values are handed over to the youths. The youths need not only skills with which they can earn a living, but also values with which they can defend their dignity and give a more humane face to society. With Christian values, the youths can avoid the superficiality that is being proposed by modern society. Martyrs are witnesses to true values.

Now and again, there are reports that fake goods are put on the markets. Of course, they must be products of fake people. Why do we have fake products? The answer appears to be in the quality of the values that are propagated. The martyrs call us to embrace Christian values like transparency which will guarantee the integrity of persons and human communities.

Yes to life and No to death

St. Mother Theresa of Calcutta (a martyr of love of the suffering neighbor) is believed to have said: “The world is full of good people. If you can’t find one, be one!” We could apply this also to the numerous unknown martyrs who stand in to support life and take on sacrifices in order to let life thrive. On the other hand, we must accept the bitter truth that there are many who are martyred by agents of death.

It becomes very painful that a lot of innocent blood cries out like that of Abel in countries in which the blood of martyrs was shed. The celebration of the martyrs should be a clear protest against the culture of death. Whereas they were ready to give their lives for Christ, we must be ready to defend life in the name of Christ who was purely pro-life, for he came so that all may have life in its fullness (Jn 10: 10). The martyrs call us to live our positive potentiality to goodness and not the brutal bestial instincts by which many lose their dear lives.

Not admiration but imitation

It is so interesting to note that humans are so much concerned about setting up monuments for those they hold in great esteem. That is good on one hand, namely to keep the memory of those who have made a positive impact to life. On the other hand, there is a danger that monuments become a kind of podium from which great people can be admired at a distance. Just as we said earlier, Martyrs don’t belong in museums, but they are a living source of inspiration. They are not only to be admired but also to be imitated. If not, we have to accept the challenge of Jesus: “Woe to you, because you build memorial for the prophets your own ancestors killed long ago.” (Lk 11: 47)

By Fr. Anthony Kibira MCCJ