" A martyr must die for the faith, not for his property, nor for his good name, nor for the sake of the party. Self-made martyrs are numerous, but they have no place in the ranks of those who are promised the Kingdom of Heaven for taking the Cross of Christ on their own shoulders."
Bishop Fulton Sheen
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Reflection
The meaning of martyrdom has been misused of late. There are many people who because they are going through personal difficulties or that they are undergoing personal attacks try and place themselves amongst the Churches great martyrs. This shows a massive amount of egoism for any one person to make such a claim when their lives are not at risk. The difference is those who understand the cross they carry has been given to them by Christ Himself and they carry this cross with dignity and holy silence. While those who carry self made crosses groan and moan under the weight of what is usually a self induced disordered belief of martyrdom. The people who carry these 'crosses' have mistaken personal grudges for their cross. In order to gain a greater understanding of what makes a True Martyr of the Faith it would be best to read about our great Saints who were indeed martyred for their Faith some of which are, St. Edith Stein, St. Maximillian Kolbe, St. Joan of Arc and many more. Before claiming martyrdom for oneself it would be best to understand it first.
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Meditation
2 Timothy Chapter 4:3-8
"For the time will come when people will not tolerate sound doctrine but, following their own desires and insatiable curiosity, will accumulate teachers and will stop listening to the truth and will be diverted to myths. But you, be self-possessed in all circumstances; put up with hardship; perform the work of an evangelist; fulfill your ministry. For I am already being poured out like a libation, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have competed well; I have finished the race; I have kept the faith. From now on the crown of righteousness awaits me, which the Lord, the just judge, will award to me on that day, and not only to me, but to all who have longed for his appearance."
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Source
'Simple Truths' by Bishop Fulton Sheen
Peace of Christ to you ALL
Copyright © 2006 Marie Smith. All rights reserved.
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