MEMORIAL OF ST JUSTIN MARTYR

Ist reading: 1 Cor 1:18-25
\r\nGospel: Mt 5:13-19

Theme: Stand Firm in Your Faith

Friends, we celebrate today, St Justin Martyr, an early Christian apologist who lived between 103 and 165 A .D. He was initially a pagan philosopher and later got converted to Christianity when he met an old man who introduced to him the sacred scriptures.

St Justin martyr was asked by the Roman Prefect before his execution, “Do you think that by dying you will enter heaven, and be rewarded by God?” He responded, “I do not think, I know.” “It is not an idea that I have; it is something I know well and hold to be most certain.” For refusing to worship the Roman gods, St Justin Martyr and his companions were condemned to capital punishment.

“Glorifying God, the holy martyrs went out to the accustomed place. They were beheaded, and so fulfilled their witness of martyrdom in confessing their faith in their Savior.”

Beloved, the martyrdom of St Justin Martyr and his companions challenges us today to evaluate our faith in Christ. Can we really stand firm on the path of Christ in the time of challenges? Is our faith deeply rooted in Christ?

Friends, we still have a long way to go in our Christian journey. Many of us are not truly converted. Many are Christians only on the lips but are pagans at heart. I exhort you today to deepen your faith in Christ. Don’t be a Christian who seeks signs and wonders, rather be a Christian who is deeply rooted in the faith. Be ready to stand for Jesus at all times.

In today\'s gospel, Jesus uses the parable of the vineyard and the tenants to teach us to take care of the vineyard God has entrusted to us. This vineyard is our Christian faith. It points to our life in Christ Jesus. Our lives on earth should bear fruits that will last. Spend every minute of your life on earth doing what will please the Lord and not what will please the flesh. Let your faith in Christ Jesus shine always.

LET US PRAY
\r\nDear Jesus, like St Justin Martyr and his companions, may our faith be deeply rooted in you. In the time of temptation may we not deny you. Amen.

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©️ Fr Thaddeus Anyaegbu O.P