The Martyrdom of John the Baptist (Observed)

Why So Many Saints’ Days?

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

This Sunday, we observe the martyrdom of St. John the Baptist. But why do we remember so many saints’ days? Is there something wrong with this practice?

First, we observe these days to learn and grow in faith by meditating on the lives of the saints. In doing so, we see how they were even willing to die for the faith they possessed, faith in Christ Jesus.

Could we go wrong in this? Could we go wrong by following in the footsteps of the saints and martyrs, confessing Jesus until the day we die?

I hope you would say no to this question.

But it’s also important for us, who live relatively carefree lives when it comes to confessing our faith—to remember that there are people throughout the world who continue to be persecuted for the Christian faith, some even dying for it today. So, the next question is: if the day comes, are you ready to confess Jesus rather than fall away? Are you ready to be a martyr, someone who dies in the name of Jesus, pointing others to your Savior?

Tertullian, a theologian of the second century, wrote, “The blood of the martyrs is the seed of the church.”

In these words, we see how the Church has grown through the witness of those who confessed Jesus, even to the point of death, the lives of the martyrs who died for the faith.

We celebrate and observe the saints’ days because they strengthen our faith and provide examples for us to look to. We give thanks to God for such wonderful and strong witnesses of the Christian faith, that we might follow them into eternity—even if we, too, are called to shed our blood.

May God grant you faith and courage in this crumbling world.
Pastor Rogness