"What then shall we say to this? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare His own Son but handed him over for us all, how will he not also give us everything else along with him? Who will bring a charge against God's chosen ones? It is God who acquits us. Who will condemn? It is Christ [Jesus] who died, rather, was raised, who also is at the right hand of God, who indeed intercedes for us." - Romans 8:31-34 (Memorial for the First Holy Martyrs of the Holy Roman Church)
Nero's circus was anointed with the blood of martyrs. Today as a church we remember the First Holy Martyrs of the Holy Roman Church. These martyrs of the faith who experienced their martyrdom even before St. Peter and St. Paul are considered the proto-martyrs of Rome. While the evangelizing works of the Early Church were still in their infancy Nero sought to eradicate Christianity from Rome. What was it that led them to give their lives for something so new? This was the question which would inspire the conversions of many. Their witness of faith in Jesus Christ would astound the hearts of their neighbors. How was it that they were willing to die for the name of Jesus Christ? Why is their faith in Him so consequential for their life?
The witness of the first martyrs of Rome wrought changes in the hearts of some. Their blood nourished the ground of Nero's circus and perhaps caused it to bear a fruit which only the Paschal Mystery of Christ could explain. Today an important building in Catholicism rests upon that place of martyrdom and many visit it today. We call it St. Peter's basilica. Even the obelisk of Nero's time remains in the piazza as a reminder of this historical reality. Truly these martyrs are the original witnesses of a faith in Jesus Christ. They were the disciples of the Apostles.
What sacrifices can I make today to give witness to my faith?
Jesus, give me the conviction of Your life which inspired the first martyrs of Rome.
Reflection by:
Fr. Chuck Dornquast
Did You Know...
Fr. Chuck Dornquast is a son of St. Joseph Parish in Zephyrhills. After graduating from Zephyrhills High School he entered seminary where he would spend the next 9 years. While in seminary he spent time at many of our diocesan parishes and discovered more and more the heart of Christ the High Priest within him. After ordination he spent his first 4 years of priesthood as the associate pastor of St. Lawrence in Tampa. He currently serves the Diocese of St. Petersburg as the Director of Vocations.
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