Rather, God chose the foolish of the world to shame the wise, and God chose the weak of the world to shame the strong, and God chose the lowly and despised of the world, those who count for nothing, to reduce to nothing those who are something, so that no human being might boast before God.
Like every other issue concerning faith, martyrdom arouses controversy in some places. A feminist critique suspects that the "virgin martyrs" were duped by patriarchal church authorities into sacrificing their lives. They question why the women died. Was it for the Lord, or in defense of their personal integrity as women with independent minds? Are they celebrated to this day to maintain the patriarchy? Is martyrdom really necessary?
The 1966 novel, Silence, by Shūsaku Endō recalled the Japanese killing of Catholic villagers and the torment of the Portuguese missionaries who ministered to them. Based on historic events, the novel pitted the Church's lionizing of martyrs against a particularly ruthless regime. The protagonist, a young missionary. finally buckled under the pressure. He stepped upon an image of Jesus' face and gave some respite to dying martyrs.
The history of the martyr's suffering in Japan is troubling but the faith did survive despite the savagery of the government. When Commodore Perry "opened" Japan to American commerce, Catholic missionaries discovered some people still baptized their young and honored the Virgin in the silence of their homes.
Mr. Endo's argument against martyrdom, I think, was flawed by the young European's willful pursuit of martyrdom and his disobedience to his religious superiors. The central authority of the Church, realizing the danger, did not give them leave to go there. Their zeal was misguided.
There are similar stories of Christian martyrs dying in North Africa who seemed too intent on getting killed, and doing so by deliberate, unprovoked rudeness to Muslim sensibilities.
As I recall T.S. Eliot raised a similar question about the death of Thomas a'Becket in his play, "Death in the Cathedral."
Certainly, Christian preachers, missionaries, and evangelists must always examine their own hearts as they announce the gospel. Is there a trace of ego in their manner? Is their contempt in their address to the "pagans?" Are they proclaiming Gospel values or promoting the less important manners and customs of their native culture?
But, nonetheless, I believe the Spirit will always call men and women, boys and girls to practice our faith despite violent opposition.
The young Agatha had consecrated her virginity to the Lord. As she prayed intensely and daily, this path appeared before as the right and only way she could go. She could not imagine marriage to a pagan husband, despite his wealth and comfortable social position. Joy for her lay in the less traveled path. And then as her unwanted suitor turned to violence, her conviction grew and her calm assurance deepened. Which of us has not had a similar experience of the Holy Spirit under less terrifying circumstances? It's not that hard to imagine.
The dilemma was described well in the play/movie, A Man for All Seasons, about Saint Thomas More. He didn't set out to antagonize King Henry VIII, but he could not agree to the king's program.
Can we really trust the Spirit that leads us if the world welcomes us? If we profit by our preaching? How can we know our Gospel is true if no one risks their life for its sake?
If we live amid a less violent culture that, occasionally, nods a vague approval toward our Christian religion, we can hardly suppose that the Age of Martyrdom has ended. We must still pray for our fellow Christians and Catholics in those parts of the world where the faith meets violent opposition. We must still make financial sacrifices to demonstrate our solidarity with them, and offer them safe harbor within our own country.
We should never suppose that the violence cannot visit this town, state, or nation.
The first amendment of the United States Constitution guarantees freedom of religion in this country. But the Constitution, like the marriage licence, is written on paper. The same people who despise that paper marriage licence might as readily despise the written law.
If we fail to practice our first amendment right, we will lose it.
And worse, if we fail to stand with our martyrs; we will lose the faith.
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I love to write. This blog helps me to meditate on the Word of God, and I hope to make some contribution to our contemplations of God's Mighty Works.
Ordinarily, I write these reflections two or three weeks in advance of their publication. I do not intend to comment on current events.
I understand many people prefer gender-neutral references to "God." I don't disagree with them but find that language impersonal, unappealing and tasteless. When I refer to "God" I think of the One whom Jesus called "Abba" and "Father", and I would not attempt to improve on Jesus' language.
You're welcome to add a thought or raise a question.