Monday, July 1, 2013
522. How does one bear witness to the truth? (part 2 continuation)
(Comp 522 repetition) A Christian must bear witness to the truth of the Gospel in every
field of his activity, both public and private, and also if necessary, with the
sacrifice of his very life. Martyrdom is the supreme witness given to the truth
of the faith.
“In brief”
(CCC 2506) The Christian is
not to "be ashamed of testifying to our Lord" (2 Tim 1:8) in deed and
word. Martyrdom is the supreme witness given to the truth of the faith.
To deepen and
explain
(CCC 2473) Martyrdom
is the supreme witness given to the truth of the faith: it means bearing
witness even unto death. The martyr bears witness to Christ who died and rose,
to whom he is united by charity. He bears witness to the truth of the faith and
of Christian doctrine. He endures death through an act of fortitude. "Let
me become the food of the beasts, through whom it will be given me to reach
God" (St. Ignatius of Antioch, Ad
Rom. 4, 1: SCh 10, 110). 2473
Reflection
(CCC 2474) The Church has painstakingly collected the
records of those who persevered to the end in witnessing to their faith. These
are the acts of the Martyrs. They form the archives of truth written in letters
of blood: “Neither the pleasures of the world nor the kingdoms of this age will
be of any use to me. It is better for me to die [in order to unite myself] to
Christ Jesus than to reign over the ends of the earth. I seek him who died for
us; I desire him who rose for us. My birth is approaching…” (St. Ignatius of
Antioch, Ad Rom. 6, 1-2 SCh 10, 114).
“I bless you for having judged me worthy from this day and this hour to be
counted among your martyrs.... You have kept your promise, God of faithfulness
and truth. For this reason and for everything, I praise you, I bless you, I
glorify you through the eternal and heavenly High Priest, Jesus Christ, your
beloved Son. Through him, who is with you and the Holy Spirit, may glory be
given to you, now and in the ages to come. Amen.” (Martyrium Polycarpi 14,2-3 PG 5,1040; SCh 10,228). [END]
(Next question: What is forbidden by the
eighth commandment?)
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