HOMILY OF THE HOLY FATHER
Dear brothers and sisters,
we can consider this meeting of ours in the ancient basilica of St. Bartholomew on the Tiber Island as a pilgrimage in memory of the martyrs of the 20th century, innumerable men and women, known and unknown, who shed their blood for the Lord throughout the century. Our pilgrimage is guided by the Word of God. Like a lamp to our steps, like a light on our way (cf. Ps 119:105), it illuminates the life of every believer. My beloved Predecessor, John Paul II, specifically destined this temple to be a place of memory for the martyrs of the 20th century, and he entrusted it to the Community of Sant’Egidio, which this year gives thanks to the Lord for the fortieth anniversary of its beginning. I warmly greet the Cardinals and Bishops who take part in this Liturgy. I greet Professor Andrea Riccardi, the founder of the Community of Sant’Egidio, and I thank him for his words; I greet Professor Marco Impagliazzo, the President of the Community, the Assistant, Mgr Matteo Zuppi, and Mgr Vincenzo Paglia, Bishop of Terni, Narni and Amelia.
In this place, so full of memories, we ask ourselves: why did these brother martyrs of ours not seek to save at all costs the irreplaceable gift of life? Why did they continue to serve the Church, in spite of severe threats and intimidations? In this basilica, where the relics of the Apostle Bartholomew are kept, where the remains of St. Adalbert are worshipped, we hear the echo of the eloquent witness of those people who lived with love, not only in the 20th century, but since the very beginning of the Church, offering in martyrdom their life to Christ. In the icon on the high altar, that portrays some of these witnesses of faith, the words of the Revelation stand out: “These are they who have come out of the great tribulation” (Rev 7:13). The elder asking who the ones in white robes are and where they come from is told that “they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb” (Rev 7:14). It sounds like a strange answer. But in the coded language of the Seer of Patmos it contains a precise reference to the white flame of love, that urged Christ to shed his blood for us. By virtue of that blood we were purified. Supported by that flame, the martyrs, too, shed their blood and were purified by love: by the love of Christ that made them capable of sacrificing themselves for love. Jesus said: “No one has greater love than this: to lay down his life for his friends” (Jn 15:13). All the witnesses of faith live this “greater” love, and following the example of the divine Master, they are ready to sacrifice their life for the Kingdom. Thus one becomes a friend of Christ, conformable to Him, by accepting the extreme sacrifice, setting no borders to the gift of love and the service of faith.
Stopping at the six altars, that remember the Christians who fell under the totalitarian violence of Communism and Nazism, the ones killed in America, in Asia and Oceania, in Spain and Mexico, and in Africa, we ideally halt in front of the many sorrowful events of the past century. Many Christians fell while they carried out the evangelising mission of the Church: their blood was mixed with that of the native Christians whom faith was communicated to. Others, often in situations where Christians were a minority, were killed out of hatred of the faith. Finally, many immolated themselves, fearless of threats and perils, in order not to abandon the needy, the poor, and the believers that were entrusted to their care. They are Bishops, priests, religious men and women, lay believers. They are many! The Servant of God John Paul II, during the jubilee ecumenical celebration for the new martyrs held on 7th May 2000 at the Coliseum, said that these brothers and sisters in faith of ours are like a magnificent fresco of the Christian humanity in the 20th century, a fresco of the Beatitudes lived to the point of shedding one’s blood. And he used to repeat that the witness of Christ, even to the point of shedding his blood, speaks with a voice more powerful than the divisions of the past.
It is true: violence, totalitarianism, persecution, blind brutality, seemingly appear the strongest, silencing the voice of the witnesses of faith. From a human perspective, they appear to be the defeated of history. But the risen Jesus illuminates their witness, and thus we understand the meaning of martyrdom. Tertullian says in this regard: “Plures efficimur quoties metimur a vobis: sanguis martyrum semen christianorum – We multiply even while you reap us: the blood of the martyrs is the seed of new Christians” (Apol., 50,13: CCL 1,171). In their defeat, in the humiliation of people who suffer for the Gospel, there is a power the world knows not: “When I am weak, then I am strong” – says the Apostle Paul (2Cor 12:10). It is the power of love, defenceless and victorious even in seeming defeat. This power challenges and defeats death.
Even this 21st century opened under the sign of martyrdom. When Christians are really the leaven, the light and salt of the earth, like Jesus, they also become the object of persecution, like Him, they are a “sign of contradiction”. The brotherly coexistence, love, faith, and preferential option for the little ones and the poor that characterise the existence of Christian communities, sometimes arouse violent hostility. How useful it is, then, to look at the luminous witness of the ones who came before us under the sign of heroic faithfulness to the point of martyrdom! And in this ancient basilica, thanks to the care of the Community of Sant’Egidio, the memory of many witnesses of faith, who have fallen in recent times, is kept and worshipped. Dear friends of the Community of Sant’Egidio, turning your eyes to these heroes of faith, strive to imitate their courage and perseverance in serving the Gospel, especially among the poor. Be builders of peace and reconciliation among enemies and people who oppose each other. Nourish your faith by meditating and listening to the Word of God, through daily prayer, by actively taking part in the Holy Mass. Authentic friendship with Christ will be the source of your mutual love. Supported by his Spirit, you will contribute to building a more brotherly world. May the Holy Virgin, the Queen of the Martyrs, support you and help you to be authentic witnesses of Christ. Amen!
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