MANILA, Philippines — The Church today remembers the First Martyrs of the Church of Rome. These nameless followers of Jesus Christ were brutally killed by Emperor Nero as scapegoats for the fire in Rome. In July of 64 A.D., more than half of Rome was destroyed by fire.

Rumor blamed the tragedy on Nero, who wanted to enlarge his palace. He shifted the blame by accusing the Christians.

The renowned Saint Augustine has this to say about these martyrs: “Christians celebrate the memory of the martyrs with religious ceremony in order to arouse emulation and in order that they may be associated with their merits and helped by their prayers…. Mass is offered to God who crowned the martyrs, at the shrine of the martyrs, so that the very spot may remind us to arouse in ourselves a more fervent charity toward those whom we imitate and toward Him who gives us the power to do so.”

To be a follower of Christ is never easy. To preach the message of the Kingdom of God is not the popular thing to do. As one strives to be true to his faith in God, the more persecution and temptation will come his way. As Christianity began to spread, people were met by opposition and often, the leaders and members of the community are subjected to test and torment.

Thank God, our early Church leaders did not give up and held on to their faith in Jesus Christ. Because of them, the Christian faith lived and was passed on from one generation to another. Indeed, the blood of these martyrs was the seed of Christianity. They serve not only as inspiration to us but as reminders that we must be courageous in defending and living our Christian faith.

Persecution still exists today for those who follow Christ faithfully, albeit in a different form. We must be ready and willing to follow Jesus no matter what happens. If we do this, then God will reward us with eternal life that he had promised to those who follow Him.