January 16 – Saints Berard and His Companions, Martyrs

In 1219, these brave men felt the call of the Gospel echoing in their souls. Motivated by a fierce desire to proclaim Christ to those who had yet to know Him, they traversed into hostile territories, exemplifying the very essence of our commitment to live the Gospel in radical ways. Their journey serves as a powerful reminder for us today.

Berard and his friends faced persecution, imprisonment, and torture—a reality they endured with steadfast faith. They could not abandon their mission nor deny their beloved Jesus, saying, “Our bodies may be in your hands, but our souls belong to God.” This defiance against oppression exemplifies the kind of faith that should inspire our own lives. They understood what it meant to be completely committed to Christ and His Gospel, echoing the words of Saint Francis who called upon all his followers to live as true witnesses of the Lord’s love, in the spirit of humility, poverty, and boldness.

Saint Francis, who sent them forth, knew the dangers and challenges that awaited his beloved brothers. Yet, he also recognized the power of their witness. He told them to carry the Rule and the breviary with them, but ultimately, to carry the love of Christ in their hearts. This was their true armor. The trials they faced would not weaken their resolve; instead, they refined it, revealing the purity of their commitment to their mission and to one another as brothers.
As we reflect on their heroic sacrifice, we are called to ask ourselves: what sacrifices are we making to live our vocation in a generous and courageous manner? In our current context, characterized by comfort and security, are we ready to leave our familiar places for the sake of the Gospel? Are we willing to risk inconvenience, judgment, or even persecution for the sake of proclaiming Christ.

Their story illustrates a critical fearlessness—one that embraced the end of life as a transition to glory rather than a demise. They lived with urgency, believing that to die for Christ was to gain eternal life. This was their radical faith lived in humility and love. It reminds us that our Franciscan spirituality calls us not to retreat into comfort but to leap into the midst of life’s challenges, echoing the cry of those who go before us, witnessing boldly to the truth of the Gospel, and to all the amazing things God has done in our lives.

Even amidst hatred and violence, the unwavering love for Christ in the hearts of these martyred brothers of ours shone brightly, sparking admiration and respect from some who witnessed their courage.

In this modern world, we encounter countless opportunities to be courageous in our faith. Each day presents situations where we can choose compassion over contempt, dialogue over division, and love over indifference. The call to martyrdom today may come in the form of small sacrifices, acts of kindness, and standing up for truth and justice in our communities.

Saint Berard and his companions are not merely historical figures for us to admire; they are intercessors, inspirations, and models of a faith lived fully and fervently. Let us cherish their legacy, allowing their courage to stir in us a deep longing to serve the Lord with similar fervor

As we contemplate their martyrdom, let our own hearts be ignited with the same passion—the passion of Christ, who delivered Himself fully for us. Let us be transformed into bearers of His love, embracing our call to serve as modern-day disciples who are radical, adventurous, and generously committed to the Gospel.

We ask Almighty God, on this feast of our martyrs, to strengthen and reinforce our Franciscan identity, with a desire to live out our faith boldly in the face of all the challenges which may come up, and like Bernard and his companions, remain united in our resolve as brothers to suffer all things out of love for Christ.

Amen.
May the peace and joy of Christ be with you all.