Saint Justin, Martyr 

Jude 1:17,​20-25
Psalm 62(63):2-6
Mark 11:27-33

DESPITE ALL ODDS, BE STEADFAST IN THE TEACHINGS OF CHRIST

In today’s gospel, the chief priests, elders, and scribes are once again trying to trap Jesus. He agrees to answer their questions, “By what authority are you doing these things? Or who gave you the authority to do them?”

If they first answer His question, “Was John’s baptism of heavenly or human origin?” They are so afraid of the crowd that they cannot agree among themselves on how to answer Jesus, so He refuses to answer their question.

Today, the Church celebrates the feast of St. Justin the Martyr, a Greek philosopher who converted to a Christian apologist. He played an important role in defending the faith of the Church against paganism and wrote some early writings of the church, especially on the sacramental life of the Church.

He was a contemporary of John’s disciples and the last of the Apostles of Jesus (Polycarp and Ignatius of Antioch). He debated with and preached to Greek and Roman pagans, which ultimately led to his death.

Unlike the chief priests, elders, and scribes, Justin bravely answered questions while preaching an unpopular and ultimately dangerous message. Justin’s life was a living witness of the Holy Spirit’s gift of fortitude.

Most of us will never face life-threatening challenges for our beliefs, but we may be in situations that challenge us to speak out on our Christian beliefs. Perhaps we are worn down by the difficulties of daily living due to financial burdens, illness, addiction, and difficult relationships. In those moments, we should keep in mind the words of Justin who imitated Jesus.

He said, “The world suffers nothing from Christians but hates them because they reject its pleasures and desires. Your part as a Christian is different from the way of the world. As you walk on the path of God’s desires for your life, you will receive joyous blessings and abundant graces. Amen.”

Fr Joseph Osho