Today we remember the martyrs, Pope Sixtus II and four deacons who were seized while celebrating the Eucharist in the catacombs of Calixtus in 3rd century. Rome and were martyred August 6, 258. Four days after, Lawrence the deacon was executed. I’ll tell his story that day.

History has its lessons for us. With the deaths of Pope Sixtus and his deacons the Roman church lost its leadership and also, as we will see in the story of Lawrence, its financial resources. It was a way Rome’s emperors, like Valerian, got rid of annoying groups like the Christians – kill the leaders and take away the group’s assets.

In the USA and other western countries the church is experiencing loss too as churches close, the leadership of bishops and priests is weakened, and members leave. History says the church after the Valerian persecution recovered stronger than ever. Should we hope for that today?

Jesus predicted that the sheep would be scattered when the Shepherd was struck. That happened to him. Yet resurrection and a surprising birth of the church followed his death. We believe in the mystery of his death and resurrection. It’s our hope for the church today.