FEAST OF BLANDINA AND THE MARTYRS OF LYON

Painting by Jean-Léon Gérôme - Walters Art Gallery, Baltimore.

Readings:

Psalm 34:1-8
Jeremiah 12:1-3a
1 Peter 1:3-9
Mark 8:34-38


Henceforth, when I am tempted to complain about the difficulties of being Christian, or Anglican, or Episcopalian - mea culpa - I should take time to read stories of the Christian martyrs through the ages, up to and including today, and I'd gain a better sense of perspective on the price that certain of my brothers and sister pay to proclaim their faith.

At first, Christians were excluded from the public baths, the market place, and from social and public life. They were subject to attack when they appeared in public, and many Christian homes were vandalized. At this point the government became involved, and began to take Christians into custody for questioning. Some slaves from Christian households were tortured to obtain confessions, and were induced to say that Christians practiced cannibalism and incest. These charges were used to arouse the whole city against the Christians, particularly against Pothinus, the aged bishop of Lyons; Sanctus, a deacon; Attalus; Maturus, a recent convert; and Blandina, a slave. Pothinus was beaten and then released, to die of his wounds a few days later. Sanctus was tormented with red-hot irons. Blandina, tortured all day long, would say nothing except, "I am a Christian, and nothing vile is done among us." Finally, the survivors were put to death in the public arena.

PRAYER

Grant, O Lord, we pray, that we who keep the feast of the holy martyrs Blandina and her companions may be rooted and grounded in love of you, and may endure the sufferings of this life for the glory that shall be revealed in us; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

From Satucket.