Faith That Stands Strong

"Stay alert, stand firm in the faith, show courage, be strong"

I Corinthians 16:13

Today we remember Saint Theodore Tyro whose feast day is celebrated November 9th. He was a young recruit in the Roman army who was martyred in the year 319 for his faith and submission to Christ alone.

Theodore served under the rule of Emperor Maximian, who greatly persecuted the Christians. It was a requirement for all recruits to participate in a pagan ceremony in which they would offer a pinch of incense while pledging Kaiser kurios meaning "Caesar is lord."

As a Christian, Theodore steadfastly refused to take part in such blasphemy, knowing that the penalty for such disobedience would be death. He was therefore promptly brought before the Roman legion Tribune and Governor for sentencing. However, instead of being put to death, he was temporarily freed, possibly because it was hoped the young man would reconsider and comply. But acquiescence was the last thing on Theodore's mind. Instead, at the first opportunity, he went back to the temple of Cybele where the ceremony was to be held - and set it on fire!

His persecutors did not have to hunt him down. In fact, Theodore voluntarily surrendered himself, saying: “What need is there for this seeking? I am he, who set fire to that temple of abominations, in which sacrifice was offered to Satan, and not to the true God.”

Now death was certain. A fire for that purpose was prepared. Theodore knelt before the flames and earnestly asked God to strengthen others so that they, too, would have the courage to say Christos kurios - only Christ is Lord. After this, the young man of steadfast faith willingly walked into the flames and offered up his life for his Lord and Savior.

Theodore Tyro is known as one of the "Soldier Saints." His story is, unfortunately, not uncommon as Christians since that day to the present continue to be persecuted for their Faith. These Christians, like Saint Theodore Tyro, were unafraid to take a stand for Christ.

In today's society, it is easy to blend into the crowd or to be afraid to be singled out for standing up for Christ. In a culture that often challenges our beliefs, it’s important to acknowledge that we are required to point out evil and to call out situations that are contrary to our Christian values.

But, sadly, we seem to have become all too tolerant of evil. Perhaps this is out of shame for our own misdeeds, or fear of consequences such as being condemned as "judging" - or both. We think to ourselves that someone else will stand up and say "This is wrong!" Right??

Yes. Surely someone will. As long as it's not us! We prefer to hide behind our “tolerance,” our smiles, and even our computer screens. I wonder what martyrs for the faith, like Saint Theodore Tyro would think of us modern Christians? Many of us would, undoubtedly, be unable to meet the eye of the Believer who not only had the boldness to take action, but then had the courage to say, "I am he, who burnt down this wicked idolatrous temple!"

However, despite our common faults, fears, and shortcomings, there is still hope! There are still Christians all around us who are taking a stand for Christ and what is right! For example, when Presidential candidate Joe Biden celebrated mass at Saint Anthony Catholic Church in Florence, South Carolina recently, the Rev. Robert Morey denied him the Eucharist, stating later that a “public figure who advocates for abortion places himself or herself outside of Church teaching.” Reverend Morey then added that he would pray for Biden. We should indeed pray for Biden, and for our country that we return to Christian values unashamedly and with courage! We must also pray in thankfulness for those like Reverend Morey who take their vows and responsiblities in serving the Lord seriously. Such is the courage that once inspired a young Roman army recruit to proclaim without fear of the repercussions, "It was me! I’m the one who set the temple on fire because I am a Christian, and ready to shed the last drop of my blood in defence of the Christian faith!”

What will that type of courage inspire you to do?