What Would You Die For?
I am prepared not only to be bound but even to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.” Acts 21:13
What Would You Die For?
I was recently having a conversation over breakfast with my 6-year-old, and during the discussion, I casually mentioned that I would die for her. Her eyes got wide, her cereal spoon suspended halfway between the bowl and her mouth. “What else would you die for?” She asked.
That night we selected some short stories of saints and martyrs who were persecuted for Christ, and after each one, I told her, “That’s what I would die for.”
On February 6th, we celebrate the feast of the Twenty-Six Martyrs of Japan who bravely endured arrest, torture, and ultimately crucifixion for their Faith. The group included Missionaries, laymen, and even 3 young boys, fourteen-year-old St. Thomas Kozaki, thirteen-year-old St. Anthony Dainan, and twelve-year-old St. Louis Ibaraki.
The 26 Martyrs of Japan
The faithful missionaries did not go to Japan to suffer and die. The laymen and young boys did not accept the Faith so that they would be crucified. But all twenty-six of them, even the children, knew that the Truth was worthy of them dying for.
“The only reason for my being killed is that I have taught the doctrine of Christ. I thank God it is for this reason that I die.” Said St. Paul Miki, one of the Twenty-Six Martyrs of Japan
The other day I was folding laundry while my little ones were playing superheroes, each one taking turns telling the others what their powers were. They rattled out some of the usual such as flying, super speed. Then I overheard the youngest, my three-year-old, say “My superpowers are love!”
I smiled to myself amid the socks and bath towels. I imagine that love is the superpower that endures martyrdom.
The Responsibility of Superpowers
Upon receiving the Sacrament of Confirmation, we are sealed with the Holy Spirit and become soldiers of Christ. There is no greater role than spreading the gospel and bringing about many conversions. But with that title also comes great responsibility because a good soldier must be willing to lay down their lives for what they are bound to protect.
I would die for Christ, or at least I pray for that strength and courage, and love every day. I pray for my husband, children, and extended family members to have that also.
We have a faith that is worth dying for, and we have a litany of heavenly brothers and sisters who already have, and what a blessing it is that we have that heavenly army to aspire to.
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