Remembering those who suffer for their faith
Red Wednesday Mass
Tonight, we gather in solidarity with our brothers and sisters in the faith who suffer for their beliefs. We pray that they may have courage and find peace amidst their afflictions.
We pray for them that grace may come upon them afresh amidst their trials. We hold them in our hearts.
Tonight, we remember and pray for all those who because they believe in Christ have been killed over the past year. We commend these faithful souls to the Lord.
In his letter to the Corinthians St Paul commented that when one part of the body suffers all parts suffer (see I Cor 12:25-27). In Christ we are united with all our brothers and sisters in the faith. We are together the Body of Christ.
We know from personal experience that it is true: our whole being is affected when one part of our physical body suffers.
As they suffer so the Church suffers. Tonight we acknowledge that we are one with those who are suffering because of their faith. Their suffering affects us and we feel a burden for what they are having to endure.
It is a sobering thought to focus our attention and prayers on the Church in places where the possibility of persecution and experience of discrimination are the daily experience of Christians.
We are blessed here in Australia to be relatively free from direct persecution on the basis of our faith. But so many of our brethren do not enjoy this freedom.
As we look over the world there are so many nations that deny freedom of religion to their citizens. In many countries there are Christian minorities who can feel isolated and under threat.
They live their life under the shadow of persecution simply because they are Christian.
The rise of authoritarian regimes and popular nationalism in many places bodes ill for Christians. In countries like Myanmar, China and India Christianity is seen not only as alien to the culture but as an agent of unwanted Western influence. Christians are suspect and subject to outbursts of violence.
In parts of Africa Islamist attacks put great pressure on Christian communities. In the Middle East Christians are being forced to flee lands that have had a Christian presence since New Testament times.
It is true that Christianity is the most persecuted religion in the world today.
At our recent meeting of the Australian bishops, the Maronite Bishop, Antoine Tarabay, reminded us of the plight of Christians in the Middle East.
He said, “Research reveals a decreasing Christian population in the Middle East: from 20% in the 20th century to a current 5%”. He said that the reasons for this exodus include ongoing persecution, lack of peace, security, justice, and economic crises.
Christians in northern Nigeria continue to be exposed to sudden acts of violence by gangs of Fulani herders. Villages are attacked, people killed or maimed, children kidnapped, houses and crops burned.
In countries in central Africa there is political turmoil and many Christians have been killed. For example, in May 2019, 77 year old Sr Nieves Sancho who ran sewing classes for young women was found beheaded and mutilated in Nola, Central African Republic. Random acts of violence and murder are a common occurrence.
Under the oppressive regime in Myanmar the Kachim Christians have experienced brutality from the army. Some 3000 villages have been burned down and over 200 churches destroyed since 2011.
Despite an agreement between the Vatican and China, there has been an increase in persecution of Christians. Bishops and priests continue to be arrested and jailed. Churches are destroyed. Pressure is put on Christians to give their loyalty to the State or face discrimination.
These are just some instances of the suffering of our brethren in the faith. Many live under uncertainty for their future safety and wellbeing.
They never know when they could be attacked and killed, taken by the authorities to prison or have their homes and churches burned.
It must be stated that in many situations Christians have an inspiring and courageous faith. I recall visiting a hospital in Cairo following an attack on a bus of Christians.
A young girl who was wounded said clearly that she would never deny her faith whatever may happen to her.
In Iraq an old woman said that they can take all I possess but they can never take my faith. They offer a witness to hope against all indicators to the contrary.
In the Gospel reading this evening we hear words of encouragement from the Lord, “Do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul; rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell”.
The Lord offers a promise, “Everyone therefore who acknowledges me before others, I also will acknowledge before my Father in heaven”.
We know that God values each of us individually and surely has a special love for those who suffer because of their faith. The Lord stated, “So do not be afraid; you are of more value than many sparrows”.
This is echoed in the first reading from the Prophet Isaiah, “For I, the Lord your God, hold your right hand; it is I who say to you, “Fear not, I will help you.” Fear not, you worm Jacob, you men of Israel! I will help you, says the Lord; your Redeemer is the Holy One of Israel”.
At this Mass this evening I invite you to focus on one part of the Church that is suffering at this time. You may have some personal experience or some link with the Church in that place.
I invite you to come forward and light a candle as a sign of the prayer that you offer up tonight for those who suffer for their faith.
Let us remember and continue to hold up in prayer our brothers and sisters in the faith who suffer because they believe in Christ.
Archbishop Julian Porteous
Wednesday, 22 November 2023