Courage Of A Martyr

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Bernard Mizeki, Catechist in Zimbabwe, Martyr, 1896 - Memorial

Today's Readings:
[ Bar 4:21-24; Ps 116:1-8; Lk 12:4-12 ]

“Do not be afraid of those who kill the body, and after that can do nothing more” (Luke 12:4, NRSVA).

Today the Church remembers Bernard Mizeki, a catechist and evangelist in Zimbabwe who remained faithful to Christ even in the face of persecution and death. His witness echoes the words of Jesus in today’s Gospel. Fear is a powerful force. It can tempt us to silence our faith, soften our convictions, or hide our discipleship when it becomes costly. Yet Jesus calls his followers to a deeper trust, one rooted not in earthly security but in the loving care of God.

Baruch speaks words of comfort to a suffering people: “Take courage, my children, cry to God, and he will deliver you”. Bernard Mizeki lived that confidence. He trusted that God’s promises were greater than the threats surrounding him. His martyrdom reminds us that Christian faith is not merely a set of beliefs but a way of life worth giving everything for.

The psalmist declares, “I love the Lord, because he has heard my voice and my supplications”. Gratitude and trust walk hand in hand. Those who know they are loved by God discover a freedom that fear cannot overcome. From a Franciscan perspective, this freedom comes from radical dependence on God. Saint Francis embraced poverty and vulnerability not because suffering is good in itself, but because nothing—not wealth, status, nor even death—could separate him from the love of Christ.

Most of us will never be called to martyrdom in the dramatic way Bernard Mizeki was. Yet every day presents opportunities for faithful witness: speaking truth with kindness, serving those in need, forgiving those who have hurt us, and openly identifying ourselves as followers of Jesus. In those moments, Christ’s promise remains: the Holy Spirit will give us the words and strength we need.

May we, like Bernard, trust God more than our fears and bear witness to Christ with courage, humility, and love.

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