25 May 2016
In our Catholic Tradition there’s the idea of “the martyrdom
of obscurity.” Some of the saints are
witnesses to Christ’s love by shedding their blood; they’re the “red
martyrs.” Some others are witnesses to
Christ’s love through selfless giving; they’re the “white martyrs.”
And still other saints are witnesses to Christ’s love through
ways only God knows; they’re the “obscure martyrs.” They simply serve and love others without
fanfare, without recognition by others; nor do they seek attention. They share the love of Christ with others for
the sheer joy of being Christ to others.
Many of us will not have to shed our blood for our
faith. Many of us won’t become public
examples of Christian charity. But most
of will be called to that other martyrdom—that other type of Christian
witness—the “martyrdom of obscurity.”
That’s our common vocation in life: simply to love and serve in the name
of Jesus. And that’s our common joy as
well: simply to love and serve in the name of Jesus.
Whether we’re recognized or not for the good we do, may our
joy and satisfaction simply be: To love and serve for the love of God.
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