St. Benjamin, Martyr, A.D. 424.
by VP
Posted on Sunday March 31, 2024 at 01:00AM in Saints
"He was a deacon in Persia, and one of the glorious champions of Christ in the persecution begun by the king Isdegerdes, and continued by his son and successor, Varanes. The tyrant caused him to be beaten and imprisoned. He had laid a year in the dungeon, when an ambassador from the emperor obtained his enlargement, on condition that he should never speak to any of the courtiers about religion. The ambassador passed his word in his behalf that he would not; but Benjamin, who was a minister of the gospel, declared that he could not detain the truth in captivity, conscious to himself of the condemnation of the slothful servant for having hid his talent. He therefore neglected no opportunity of announcing Christ. The king ordered him to be apprehended; but the martyr made no other reply to his threats, than by asking him what opinion he would have of any of his subjects who should renounce his allegiance to him, and join in war against him. The enraged tyrant caused reeds to be run in between the nails and flesh of his hands and feet; and a knotty stake to be thrust into his bowels to rend and tear them, under which torment he expired in the year 424.
Reasons are easily found
for dispensing with such duties as are troublesome; and it is by these
reasons that tepid souls are governed, when through an absurd nicety
they are more afraid of what will give them a short uneasiness or trouble, than of running into hell. This is not the method of the martyrs,
who living by faith, knew no other evils but such as are eternal; and
for escaping these, cheerfully offered themselves to such sufferings as
threatened nothing beyond this life. Pray for a better sense of their principles; and be not so fond of present ease, as to run the hazard of everlasting torments. If you are afraid of suffering, fear that which is eternal. Let self-love for once teach you to be so wise, as to choose the lesser evil.
It being the last day of the month,
endeavour to put a good end to it, by a hearty thanksgiving for all
blessings and preservations, and for all afflictions too; and by a
sincere contrition for all your offences, for your sins of ignorance, for your hidden and unknown sins. Resolve upon amendment, and beg for grace, that it may be effectual." The Catholic Year by Rev. Fr. John Gother
