I have been glorified in them

Jesus says that there is no greater love one can have than laying down one's life for one's friends (Jn 15:13). Martyrdom is an expression of this: giving one's life for the sake of the faith and the Gospel. Just like the witness given by the African martyrs, St. Charles Lwanga and companions. Perhaps, it is fair to say that even those martyrs also feared the prospect of death, especially if the manner were seen to be cruel or brutal. But in the hour of "glory" itself, God gave them more than enough courage to face death head-on. And so, the enemies might have thought they won because they took away the lives of the martyrs.

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But they could not deny the fact that up to the end, the loyalty and the love of those martyred remained with their Master and Lord. Do you feel threatened at the moment because of your standing for truth or your faith? Then pray for courage and strength from the Holy Spirit.

First Reading • Acts 20:17-27