Shepherd-Martyrs

An excerpt from a chapel homily at Tri-City Christian School, Somersworth, New Hampshire.

Christians are always called to be witnesses, but in the world you enter your witness will take the form of martyrdom. You are called to be witnesses to the truth of God’s Word in the face of pressures to conform, insults and lies, harassment and public hostility, perhaps even legal threats.

As Robert George has said, the era of comfortable Christianity in America is over, and you are called to be courageous in the power of the Spirit.

Some of you young men will be called to a particular form of witness and martyrdom, the pastoral ministry. 

Young people dream of many futures – succeeding in business, excelling in sports, becoming teachers, artists, entertainers, policemen. Pastoral ministry is rarely on the radar. It seems too tame to attract our attention. How boring to visit old ladies and sick people and teach children the catechism?

But pastoral ministry is the highest calling, always and everywhere. In the world emerging around us, nothing will be more important for the church, and the world, than faithful ministers of the gospel.

Pastors will be called to extraordinary courage, cunning, perseverance, strength. Pastors will have to be guardians and public spokesmen; they will have to be brave, and will have to inspire bravery; they will have to combine the virtues of an Army general, a compassionate medical doctor, and an underground political activist; they will have to serve as examples of Christlike love for enemies and haters. They will have to be fearless so that their sheep will not be afraid.

You are all called to be martyrs. Some are called to shepherd communities of martyrs. Don’t shrink back from that call, whatever form it takes in your life. Right now, when you are still in school, learn what it means to die to yourself and serve others, to take up your cross and follow Jesus. And do all you can to be prepared for the cross that lies ahead.