Monday 19 April
Acts 6:8-15
How right and true are the following words of Cardinal John Henry Newman: ‘No one is a martyr for a conclusion, no one is a martyr for an opinion; it is faith that makes martyrs.’ Stephen is recognized as the Church’s first martyr – the proto-martyr – and faith he had in plenty! Luke devotes much attention to his martyrdom, rather as he does Paul’s conversion, to highlight its importance in understanding the mission of the early Church.
For the first three centuries, from the time it began until the conversion of the emperor Constantine, the Church was brutally, relentlessly and systematically persecuted, leading to thousands upon thousands of Christians being put to death. Christian history is replete with the courageous and brave testimonies of men and women, just like Stephen, who did not love their lives so much as to shrink from the ultimate call of Christian witness – martyrdom.
The blood of the martyrs was truly the seed of the Church and the faith we possess today was handed down to us as a result of their sacrifice. We owe them a debt of profound gratitude because they displayed a contempt for this world and a love of Christ and the world to come.
These martyrs were put to death, just like Stephen, in the most brutal of ways. St Augustine said, ‘The martyrs were bound, imprisoned, scourged, racked, burnt, rent, butchered – and they multiplied.’ Despite his clear understanding of the fate that awaited those who were prepared to die for Christ, St Ignatius of Antioch declared, ‘Fire and cross and battling with wild beasts, their clawing and tearing, the breaking of bones and mangling of members, the grinding of my whole body, the wicked torments of the devil – let them assail me, so long as I get to Jesus Christ.’ What an amazing attitude! What incredible faith!
We are called to emulate the martyrs. Thank God, we may not have to suffer as they suffered but we must be prepared to give our lives for Christ. The Cardinals of the Catholic Church all dress in bright red, signifying their intention, if necessary, to lay down their lives for their faith.
Lord, the martyrs died for love of you and we live out our life of faith motivated by that same love.
Acts 6:8-15 • Psalm 118(119):23-30
John 6:22-29
Daily Reflections
Subscribe to Bible Alive today, and read Daily Reflections wherever you are!
Can't find a book?
Fill out our enquiry form to register interest in a particular Catholic/ Christian book.
Holy Cross Parcels
Make a difference by making a donation and buying a Holy Cross Parcel. Click here
Twitter and Facebook
Pope Francis Special Bumper Edition of Faith Today
Click here to read Joanna Moorhead's blog from the Conclave and the Inauguration
Free Faith Pack
FREE Faith Pack
worth over £30/€50!!
with every new subscription to
Bible Alive or Faith Today.
Subscribe To Our Newsletter
Faith Today Trial Subscription
Try out Faith Today for three months free of charge. Many began receiving Faith Today this way and have been with us for years.
Trial Bible Alive Subscription
Try out Bible Alive for three months free of charge. Many began receiving Bible Alive this way and have been with us for years.
Give it a go today!
Walk With Me
Walk with Me is a prayer and scripture journey for the seasons of Advent, Lent and Easter.
Alive Design – Wedding Stationery
Catholic Today Newspaper
Catholic Today is the newspaper for the Archdiocese of Birmingham with the latest Birmingham Catholic news and videocasts.
Christian Publications
Bible Alive - Subscription
Latest Catholic Articles
Daily Reflections
Bible Alive daily reflections are written in an accessible and warm style inviting you to penetrate and plumb the depths of the scripture reading of the day.
Latest Daily Bible ReflectionFree Catalogue
