The journey from Philosophy to Christian Revelation (Homily on the memorial of Saint Justin the Maryr

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HOMILY FOR THE MEMORIAL OF ST. JUSTIN (JUNE 1, 2024)
Jude 17:20b-25; Ps.63; Mark 11:27-33

Beloved in Christ,

On this day, we commemorate the memorial of St. Justin, a figure whose quest for truth led him from the halls of pagan philosophy to the heart of Christian revelation. Born to pagan parents in the ancient city of Flavia Neapolis, St. Justin was well-versed in the teachings of philosophers. Yet, his soul yearned for a truth that transcended human wisdom, leading him to discover the perceived emptiness in his philosophical pursuits. For St. Justin, the divine mystery could not be fully grasped by intellect alone.

St. Justin's path to conversion was illuminated by the unwavering courage of Christian martyrs, whose serene acceptance of suffering and death ignited his desire to uncover the source of their profound faith. At the age of thirty, the witness of these steadfast believers, coupled with his encounter with Holy Scripture, catalyzed a profound transformation within him.

Post-conversion, St. Justin harnessed his philosophical acumen as a formidable tool for apologetics, integrating the Gospel with his intellectual background to articulate and defend the Christian faith. His life is a testament to the transformative power of conversion, which, like the heart's vital function, must permeate every facet of our existence.

St. Justin's ultimate sacrifice as a martyr echoes the very truths he once sought and later proclaimed. His life, a mirror of the martyrs who inspired him, became a beacon of the faith he embraced. Renowned as the first eminent Christian apologist and a patron of Catholic philosophy, St. Justin's legacy reminds us that the call to evangelize transcends clerical boundaries—it is a vocation entrusted to every baptized believer.

As we honor St. Justin today, let us be inspired to use our unique gifts in the service of the Gospel, remembering that the mission to share the Good News is a collective endeavor, incumbent upon us all.
Amen.
God bless you all

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