Memorial of St. Justin, Martyr
In the three short years of his ministry, Jesus had to contend with much controversy. How’s that for an understatement? Perhaps controversy reminds us that changing our minds and our deeply held attitudes does not happen easily or without a certain amount of personal discomfort. “My mind is made up, don’t confuse me with the facts!” could well describe the intellectual tug-of-war most of us experience from time to time.
Today’s commemoration of St. Justin, martyr and apologist of the second century, reminds us of those early apologists who struggled and even gave their lives to find convincing arguments to win over their unbelieving listeners.
The struggle facing Jesus to change minds and hearts, such as the Jewish leaders in today’s Gospel, is again focusing on the mindset of the leaders who were determined to disprove his argument based on whether he had any real authority. Jesus was able to undercut their arguments about authority because they were basically afraid of losing favor with the crowds and thus losing their reputation.
St. Justin was the first of a crowd of witnesses to the truth who based their commitment to teaching the truth on their living relationship with the Lord. This is the Lord who declared himself to be the Way, the Truth, and the Life. In our present world, which often distorts the truth for personal benefit, our personal call to live the truth is a constant challenge and often carries a heavy price.
Reflection by Fr. Daniel Petsche, OSB
Posted in Articles for Ordinary Time, Daily Reflections