Pray For The Peace of Jerusalem (9/28/24)[Prayer]

One of my favorites can be attributed to a Jewish Mother, a Catholic Mother, an Irish Mother, an Italian Mother, or any other ethnic group known for inciting "guilt". That makes this an Ethnic Joke as well as a Light-Bulb Joke, so it's probably now illegal.

Here Goes:

Q. How many (Jewish, Catholic, Irish, Italian) Mothers does it take to change a Light Bulb?
A. "Never Mind. Don't Trouble Yourself. I'll Sit in the Dark"

This brings up one of the Modern-Day uses of the word "Martyr". We use the term to describe someone who feigns suffering for someone else, to make them feel good about themselves, and to make others feel guilty. This is not an admirable trait, and totally obscures the original meaning of the word.

Another misuse of the word "martyr" is that of religious fanatics who kill a lot of people and die in the process. This was demonstrated horribly on 9/11/01, when 19 terrorists died, taking 3000 innocent people with them. The Islamic World called these 19 murderers "Shaheed", which means "Martyr". No, that is NOT what they were.

While we recognize the word as meaning "Someone who has died for their Faith", that is not the exact original meaning of the word either. It comes from the Greek word that means "Witness".

A Witness is someone who sees an event and testifies in court that it is true. This can be extremely stressful, even if one is telling the truth and is innocent of any wrongdoing. Being a faithful witness can get a person in trouble, and so, many people would prefer to just shut their mouths and mind their own business.

But what if The Truth is at stake? What if someone could be convicted of a false accusation without your testimony? What if you are summoned and put under oath?

Sometimes a Witness can end up being a Martyr too.

This was the situation in the Early Church. The Roman Emperor was worshiped as a god, and it was required to throw in a little bit of incense to prove one's loyalty to the State. How hard could that have been? Just a wee, little, pinch of incense, a quick prayer of repentance, instant forgiveness, and go on with your life.

But there were those who would not compromise, as their Faith was more important than their lives, their wealth, and their honor in the community. Many of them were put to death because of their Witness.

Jesus tells His Disciples not to fear what man can do to us. We shouldn't ponder about what we should say, if we are ever faced with that horrible situation. No rehearsals can prepare us for that day. None of us should be carrying around a little Ziploc bag with that pinch of incense "just in case".

The Holy Spirit will give us the words to say if that situation arises. If our Witness results in Martyrdom, so be it.

That is the True meaning of the Word.

Come and Pray For the Peace of Jerusalem, For Our FRiends in Need, For Persecuted Believers, and For Our Beloved Nation.