Martyrdom

Our Lord Jesus Christ promised that the jaws of hell will never prevail against His Holy Catholic Church. However, He did not promise that the Church would always and everywhere flourish. Christ did not promise that His Church would be vibrant in every place She exists. Those who shed their blood for the faith offer us inspiration. If we find ourselves in an area where the Church seems stagnant or the faithful have grown complacent we must remember the example of the martyrs. We must practice our own faith with conviction and enthusiasm. The martyrs pray for us. The saints pray for us. We must pray for one another. Christ expects as much from us. He does not settle for lukewarm Christians. Christ will always give us the grace and strength to boldly proclaim the Gospel, but we must trust Him completely.

Today let us pray for an increase in faith. Let us thank God for the Church we are blessed to be a part of. Let us pray for those who deny the true faith or who have grown cold or indifferent.

Sincerely in Christ,

Rev. Jeffery A. Fasching