Homily: Feast of St. Nereus, Achilleus and Pancras Martyrs
Feast of St. Nereus, Achilleus and Pancras Martyrs (Not All Martyrs are the Same)
Today we celebrate the feast of three martyrs of the early church. Not much is known about these martyrs, but they represent many people who died for the faith in the early years of the church’s history.
Nereus and Achilleus (98-117) were Roman soldiers who left the military life after their conversion. Many soldiers did not see Christianity and violence as being compatible. We could say that these were the first conscientious objectors. The Roman authorities also did not want to have Christians in the military because they questioned their loyalty.
The Christian soldiers would not make sacrifices to the Roman Gods. This was considered a test of loyalty. Nereus and Achilleus were put to death because they would not compromise on this issue. They would only worship the one true God.
Pancras’ body is enshrined in a church on the Via Aurelia in Rome. He was said to have been only fourteen at the time of his death in 304 A.D. He is a patron of Christian youth.
If someone is a martyr, it is assumed that they go directly to heaven. There have been debates throughout Christian history about what qualifies for martyrdom. Some have held that a person is a martyr only if they die because they believe in Jesus. Others have said that one is a martyr if one is a witness of Christian Charity. There have been Christians who have died defending the rites of the poor and they have been put to death by other Christians.
Pope Francis would use the broader definition of martyrdom. In the Americas there have been many Christians who have given their life speaking out against injustice.
There are also what is known as white martyrs who by denying themselves and doing penance have lived full lives, but difficult ones as they thought to live like Jesus.
Reflection Questions:
- How do I define martyrdom? Would I agree with a broader definition?
- Do I know any white martyrs? Who were they and how did they live?
Dear Parishioners,
On Friday we will be having an eighth-grade recognition Mass. We are winding the school year down and there are many activities happening. It has been another tumultuous year. We started the year still under the threat of COVID. Gradually some sense of normalcy returned. Our faculty and staff have done a wonderful job throughout the year. We thank God for them.
It is the time when we need air conditioning. Unfortunately, our church does not have a forced air HVAC system. We rely on a chiller system, and it takes time to get it up and running. We plan on having the air conditioning on for this weekend. We usually have a few weeks where we do not have to heat or cool the church. That is not the case this year. Thank you for your patience as we make the changeover.
May Our Lady of Peace pray for our world today.
Fr. Mark