(d.64) In the year 64, Rome was ravaged by fires, and the Emperor Nero blamed the Christians. Christians were put to death in gruesome tortures, becoming some of the first Christian martyrs. Some were covered in animal skins and thrown to wild dogs, some were crucified, some were tied to posts along the streets and, at sunset, covered in oil and burned as human torches.

These early Christians had heroic courage and a willingness to take a stand for truth. It led them to experiences that are hard to imagine, but we strive to see beyond this present darkness to God’s providential will. Where have you needed courage and willingness to face discomfort in your recovery? How about in your faith?

“O God, who consecrated that abundant first fruits of the Roman Church by the blood of the Martyrs, grant, we pray, that with firm courage we may together draw strength from so great a struggle and ever rejoice at the triumph of faithful love. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever” (Collect for the liturgy of the First Martyrs of Rome).