Posted by The WORD in other words (2009) by Fr Martin Mandin SVD – Saint Arnold Janssen Shrine, Cainta Rizal
Feast of Saint James, Apostle – July 25 2025
A proponent of non violent struggle said that if you have no cause or reason to die for, certainly you have nothing to live for. The Church is familiar with people who died for a cause, the martyrs. In fact the growth of Christianity is unimaginable without martyrs. Paradoxically, their death is life of the Church. The followers of Christ multiplied.
In the Gospel today , Jesus must be pointing to James’ martyrdom as he speaks of drinking the cup. He indeed drunk the cup for he died as a martyr. James is an example of an authentic disciple. In our efforts to become true disciples what is the place or significance of martyrdom?
The essence of martyrdom is witnessing. It is not merely one’s violent death or an end of one’s earthly life but the focus is the martyr’s cause. Martyrdom is a very dramatic form of witnessing Christ. But not all are called to die, some are called to live their Christian faith daily. All of us are called to witness either by dying or by living. And even those who live their faith they are experiencing their own forms of dying. One has to die in their egoism, in their thirst for honor, earthly success and privileges.
A successful woman who owns big malls and resorts is very active in the Church. The influence of her faith is visible. She is just to her workers and sales people. She used to call the diocesan Caritas office to inquire: “What do you need in your program? In what can I be of help? Her initiative speaks of stooping down so she can reach out. She used her power and resources to make her service efficient and love visible.
Also, I know of a nurse who works for many years here. With her experience and skill she could have gone abroad and earn dollars. What could be the reason behind her choice here? Her reply was: “I learned to love my patients. Working for these unique people is wonderful.” Her statement was affirmed by her smile. She is a nurse in a mental hospital, where her patients are more powerful than her.
As we are influenced by hedonism, where pleasure and human fulfillment is the language may St James the martyr be our wisdom.
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