Today's readings beautifully describe the spirit of the martyrdom of Saint Sixtus II and his companions. Sixtus was elected Pope in the third century when the emperor Valerian was ending his period of toleration for Christianity. And so at one point he ordered the rounding up of and execution of bishops, priests and deacons.
Sixtus, the Pope and seven deacons of Rome were among those who persevered in the hour of persecution and were rewarded with the crown of life: the glorious martyr's crown!
In the gospel passage Jesus reminds us that we are not to be afraid of those who can kill the body and not the soul! We are worth more than a flock of sparrows (whom God loves very much and knows every actions of theirs). He loves us even more than the sparrows and will take care of us and all of our needs – especially when he asks us to do something that is difficult and challenging! It is our Christian duty to acknowledge Jesus and witness about him before others – even if it is a dangerous and life-threatening thing – for on behalf of such as these Jesus will acknowledge them before his heavenly Father!
Sixtus and his companion deacon martyrs were considered among the greatest of all martyrs in the Church – in fact, he is even listed in the Roman Canon – the First Eucharist Prayer we use at Mass. We ask his prayers that we might be faithful to Jesus and the Church – come what may!
Blessed is the man who perseveres in temptation, for when he has been proved he will receive the crown of life!
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