From the time of the apostles to the present day

Br. MichaelDavide Semeraro

We often hear about Christian martyrs from the early centuries. However, we are also told that, even today, it is dangerous to profess one’s faith in many countries. Is this really the case? In which places or situations does being a Christian still entail persecution or discrimination? What can we, who live in freedom, do to show solidarity with those who suffer for their faith? V.M As the ‘Fathers of the Church’ said: ‘The blood of martyrs is the seed of new Christians’ (Tertullian). From the time of the apostles to the present day, some disciples have been persecuted and sometimes killed for their fidelity to Christ and obedience to the gospel. This often puts them on the side of the poor and provokes the wrath of the powerful. The ‘Fathers of the Church’ recommended not seeking bloody martyrdom, but accepting it as the ultimate witness to faith if necessary. However, there is also a ‘white martyrdom’: the daily commitment to the Gospel through the fulfilment of one’s duties to God in prayer and to others through active charity. This daily fidelity shows solidarity with those in many parts of the world who are still persecuted and discriminated against today…