9 of 25

Write now Article Tools

The First Reading from the Catholic Lectionary for today, the Thirty-second Sunday of Ordinary Time is the story of the Woman and Her Seven Sons. An interesting part of the story is these people chose to die rather than eat the pork, which the King demanded they eat. Based on the reading no one said to them, Deny your belief in God or be killed. Rather they were told eat the pork or be killed. At the time, to eat pork was against the law of God, according to the Jewish law. So to eat the pork was to them disobedience to the God's law and therefore eating the pork would be denying their religious belief.

Our parish priest asked the question this morning, for what are you willing to die? Are you willing to die for your religious beliefs? I would imagine most people at Mass responded inwardly in some way telling themselves they would die for their faith, just as I did. This is a normal first reaction most believers would probably experience. I have thought about this question more as the day has moved along. My gut reaction is yes, but then I get a little squeamish and think, am I strong enough in my religious beliefs to die for them?

This is just what Saint Peter did on the night before Jesus died. Jesus made the remark, someone would deny Him and Peter said, he would never deny the Lord. A short time later, Peter not only denied he knew Jesus, He denied his friendship with Jesus and denied he ever spent time with Jesus. Of course, Peter immediately heard the cock, crow and knew he had just committed a serious sin by turning his back on Jesus. He let Jesus down! He was very saddened by his sin and he repented. Peter was the first Pope of the Catholic Church. Jesus Himself appointed Peter and yet Peter denied his religious beliefs at a critical time in his life and in the life of Jesus.

So, would I die for my religious beliefs? I pray for the courage and willingness to cooperate with grace of the Holy Spirit if the moment ever comes. I strive to renew my faith, by prayer, work and study regularly. I ask for strength of character such a challenge would demand.

I never thought about this before, but I am going to begin to ask Saint Peter to pray for me. Who better to ask to become an intercessor for me than Saint Peter who once failed to be strong in his religious beliefs? I believe Saint Peter is in the presence of God and he is in a good place to act as an intercessor, asking God to help me to continue to grow strong in my religious beliefs. Perhaps with his help, I will acquire the wisdom and courage to pray for myself, and continue to strive toward the perfection of grace to which God calls everyone. By the grade of God and my own perseverance, I will be willing to die for my religious beliefs, if I am ever faced with this decision.

Learn more about this author, Mary C. Frederick.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

Add your voice

Know something about Would you die for your religious beliefs??
We want to hear your view. Write now!