Today we celebrate the feast of Saint Blandina, a Christian martyr who died during the reign of Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius. Almost all we know about Blandina comes from a letter sent from the Church of Lyon to the Churches of Asia Minor.
Today’s Lectionary includes a story about Blandina and her companions. This story takes place in what is now Lyon, France, where there were missionary centers for Christians from Asia and Greece.
In 177 AD, during the reign of Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius, Christians began to be persecuted. Christians were banned from the public baths, the marketplace, and from social and public life. Some slaves from Christian households were tortured to obtain confessions and were induced to say that Christians practiced cannibalism and incest.
These charges were used to arouse the whole city against the Christians, particularly against Pothinus, the aged bishop of Lyon; Sanctus, a deacon; Attulus Maturus, a recent convert; and Blandina, a slave. A number of Christians, who confessed their faith, were thrown into prison. Most were tormented and then died.
Blandina, when faced with her oppressors, would say nothing except, “I am Christian, and nothing vile is done among us.” Another translation says her final words were, “I am Christian, and we commit no wrongdoing.” Finally, all of those accused, including Blandina, were put to death in the public arena. On her feast day, we celebrate her humility, virtue, and spiritual endurance.
Currently, I’m reading An Uncommon Friendship: From Opposite Sides of the Holocaust by Bernat Rosner and Frederic Tubach. This book is part of our Faith and Fiction’s summer book club and I highly recommend it. It tells the story of two men, who became friends as adults in California, and later discovered that both had lived in Europe during the Holocaust. One was a Holocaust survivor, who lived in Auschwitz, Mauthausen, and other concentration camps, where he experienced horrible torture. While the other had grown up in Germany, where his father was an SS officer. The story tells of their separate experiences growing up during WWII and their remarkable friendship many years later.
Blandina’s story reminds me of how Jews had to wear yellow stars during the Holocaust. Before they were imprisoned, Jews had to declare their faith by wearing their stars on their clothes, wherever they went, which often meant they were spit upon, ridiculed, or worse. Many Jews still observed rituals during Holy days, and some even still practiced Shabbat, the Jewish day of rest and spiritual rejuvenation, although it was nearly impossible for those who were persecuted. Even those Jews who had converted to Christianity, thinking it would help them, were persecuted—many also sent to concentration camps. But most Jews still testified to their faith, even in the face of death, as Blandina did.
I wonder, would I still say, “I am Christian,” even if it meant I would be put to death? I hope so. But it’s a question we should all ask ourselves. How important is our faith to us? Am I wiling to proclaim to others that I am Christian. If not, why not?
Perhaps we all should reexamine our faith. How could we get more involved at Trinity? Could we volunteer for Loaves and Fishes, to teach Godly Play, help sort out rummage sale items? Could we be active in our communities through the Restorative Justice Committee or Together New Orleans? Could we join a prayer group, make meals for families in need, offer a ride to someone who no longer drives? Or just say hello to someone you don’t know?
There are countless ways we can declare, “I am a Christian,” through our words and deeds. Please take this opportunity to do more. As Christians, I believe we thrive in community and hopefully will never be alone in testifying to our faith.
Musical Reflection - Here I Am, Lord - John Michael Talbot
Almighty God, who gave such courage and endurance to Blandina and her companions, who gave such courage and endurance to Holocaust survivors, who gives such courage and endurance to those suffering under unjust regimes today, help us to be strong in our faith, proudly proclaiming our devotion to you to others. Give us discerning hearts so we can reexamine our faith and find new ways to serve you. Amen.
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