Homily: Fifth Wednesday of Lent

Fifth Wednesday of Lent (Daniel 3:14-ff) “Who is a Martyr?”

The time of the Babylonian exile was a traumatic episode in the history of the Jewish people. But it was also a time that produced many heroes and heroines as the Jewish people fought to be true to their religious faith. Three of these heroes were Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego. These three men refused to worship the God’s of the Babylonians. When we think of martyrs, we also think of people who have died for their faith. Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego did not die, but others did at that time in history. Jewish people have died throughout history because they were Jewish. These deaths do not usually weaken the resolve of believers but strengthens it.

We have had many Christian Martyrs, but the idea of what a Martyr has changed over the years. Why has there been a debate we might ask. It is because people who are supposed Christians have killed other Christians. It has not necessarily been non-Christians murdering professed Christians.

We now say that a Christian might be a martyr for justice. An example of this would St. Oscar Romero. Archbishop Romero was bishop of San Salvador in 1980. At that time, a guerilla war was going on there. Both sides claimed to be Catholic Christians. Archbishop Romero tried to stop the bloodshed. He angered both sides.

On March 24th, 1980, he was saying Mass at a hospital where he lived. As he was consecrating the bread and wine he was shot to death by sniper through a window. He died instantly.

For a long time, his political enemies claimed he did not die for the faith. They said he died because he was choosing sides in the conflict. When Pope Francis began his papacy, he quickly moved to have Romero canonized. Pope Francis spoke of Romero as a martyr for justice. He was trying to correct an injustice and stand with the poor.

Martyrdom happens for a variety of reasons, but the common thread is that the Martyr dies standing up for freedom and justice. The person chooses to die for a just cause.

Reflection Questions:

1.    Have I ever heard of a martyr for Justice? Who might one be?

2.   Who is one martyr I admire? Why do I?

 Dear Parishioner,

           This Friday Seton School will be having a fish fry at Christ the King parish. If you would like to attend it will from 4:30 until 7 at the Believer’s Center.

          This is a great way to support Seton Catholic Grade School. There will also be raffles and games at this event. The last few years it has been very successful and it would be great to have everyone’s support.

          May Our Lady pray for peace in our violent world.

          Fr. Mark