Martyrdom

The duty of Christians to take part in the life of the Church impels them to act as witnesses of the Gospel and of the obligations that flow from it (CCC 2472). Every Catholic then is called to live out his baptism both in word and in deed: giving proof to it every moment regardless of conditions. A life of witness indeed demands a courageous practice and profession of the truth, which may at certain circumstances cost ones’ life. Such is martyrdom, which according to our Catechism, is the supreme witness given to the truth of the faith; it means bearing witness even unto death (#2473). History and modern times can attest to the many Christians who have died for their faith rather than compromise or renounce it. These martyrs “bear witness to Christ who died and rose, to whom he is united by charity. He bears witness to the truth of the faith and of Christian doctrine. He endures death through an act of fortitude (#2473).”

The essence of being a martyr is to be a witness. As a witness he gives testimony to what he knows and testifies to what he has personally experienced of Jesus. Some do at the expense of their life. Not all who suffer for Christ, however, die for Christ for some situations do not end in violent death. Some give up prestige, property or freedom for the sake of Christ and endure even more pains and difficulties than death itself. Thus, a Christian who is a true disciple of Christ bears witness to Him, carries his cross even if it means forsaking one’s own life.