Memorial of Saint
Justin, martyr
(Acts 20:28-38; John
17:11b-19)
Christianity is
sometimes criticized for being overly concerned with doctrine. The critique maintains that a Church without
a creed would be more united. It would
also betray its heritage. The New
Testament letters continually decry false teachers. Two of John’s letters call them the
“antichrists.” Justin Martyr, today’s
patron, gave his life in defense of right doctrine. He was a second-century philosopher convert
who wrote in defense of Christian teaching.
In today’s gospel
Jesus gives a foundation for truth. He
asks his Father “to consecrate (his disciples) in the truth.” He wants them to know the truth of salvation which
ishis incarnation, death, and resurrection.
More than that, they are to tell others about it.
We may be ridiculed for accepting Scripture as truth. Some hold that its beliefs are mythical as that truth comes only from scientific investigation. This position is known as “positivism.” We have to show positivists that religious truth is efficacious by lives of integrity, service, and love. Saints like Justin comprise the best argument for Christ’s truth.
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