Perpetua

“While I was still with my companions, and my father in his affection for me was trying to turn me from my purpose by arguments and so weaken my faith, ‘Father,’ said I, ‘do you see this vessel—water pot or whatever it may be? . . . Can it be called by any other name than what it is?” No,’ he replied. ‘So also I cannot call myself by any other name than what I am—a Christian.’ Then my father, provoked by the word ‘Christian,’ threw himself on me as if he would pluck out my eyes, but he only shook me, and in fact was vanquished…. Then I thanked God for the relief of being, for a few days, parted from my father . . . and during those few days we were baptized. The Holy Spirit bade me after the holy rite to pray for nothing but bodily endurance.”

Reflection:  Perpetua could not call herself by any other name than who she was, a Christian.  This was her reality and nothing could change this truth in her life.  Not even her own father could turn her away from her purpose, her calling.  In the midst of this harsh circumstance, she was able to stand firm in her calling to be a Christian, and live this out even to her death.  Nothing could hold her back from living out her calling.

Response:  Let’s pray that we will stand firm in our calling no matter what circumstances we may be going through.  May nothing hold us back as we continue to live for the Lord.

Source: Saints Perpetua, Felicitas, and Companions — Martyrs — 203