Ready to Suffer?

     As I begin thinking, pondering St. John the Baptist and his martyrdom, I wondered about the root of this word so I did a word search. (Love to do these, they can really open up the meaning of things so much more sometimes)  The word Martyr comes from the Greek μάρτυς – (martus) which means "witness" and witness means one who can give a firsthand account of something seen, heard, or experienced.  


     If we are experiencing, hearing and seeing Jesus' love, mercy, forgiveness, comfort, healing, joy, peace, hope, truth and many more, then should we not be a witness to it, no matter the cost?  What if the cost is anger from others, rejection, being made fun of, put down, ignored, or even being dismissed?  Are we willing to follow our conscience and let go of our reputations for Christ our Bridegroom and the truths he has taught us?


     If we heed Jesus' many words about "No servant is greater than his master", (John 15:20-21)   Blessed are they who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when they insult you and persecute you and utter every kind of evil against you [falsely] because of me. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward will be great in heaven. Thus they persecuted the prophets who were before you. (Matthew 5:10-12), then we can expect anger from others, rejection, being made fun of, put down, ignored, or even being dismissed. The key is not to take any of it personally...easier said than done I know. But through prayer and taking these "battle wounds" so to speak to Jesus in prayer, he can heal them up so we can keep going.


     Let us pray for St. John the Baptist's intercession as we be witnesses for Christ!