Saint Justin
St. Justin was a pagan philosopher who converted to Christianity at age 30 by reading the Scriptures and witnessing the heroism and faith of martyrs. He used his philosophical and oratorical skills to publicly dispute with pagans and explain his new faith, and he became one of the first great Christian apologists.
He later opened a school of public debate in Rome, Italy. All this high-profile Christianity naturally brought him to the attention of the authorities, and he died a martyr in 165.
The prayer Jesus offers for you and I is prayer asking the Father that we all be one. So it might be surprising that in Acts St Paul is telling the disciples that even from their own ranks there will be those who causing pain and division. We wonder why?
Why can’t we just all get along? It comes back to what are you willing to do. I remind people all the time. Every time you get angry, or gossip, or incite others, or cause destruction you are adding to the violence in the world. It is truly a great challenge to work for peace.
Yes, there are people who were martyred for their faith, great examples for all of us. But we need to be willing to work for peace and not sacrifice our morals and values, maintaining the dignity of human life, treating all with respect. Do this in your part of the world. Help others to do the same.
May the Lord bless you in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen