Today, we celebrate the memorial of St. Justin (the) Martyr.
St. Justin was a classically educated man who lived in the 2nd century of the Christian era – the generation after the Apostles.
He converted to Christianity and put his classical learning to work for the defense of the Catholic faith. He wrote two famous “apologies” or defenses of the Catholic faith, one addressed to the Roman emperor and the other to the Roman Senate. He wrote a “hortatory address” to the Greeks, urging them to convert to Christianity.
Lastly, and most importantly (I think), he wrote a work titled “Dialogue with Trypho” in which he presents the Christian faith to Jews and answers all of the objections the Jewish people might have to Christianity. This is a rare source for the evangelization of Jews and I have used it often in my efforts to present the faith to Jewish friends and colleagues through the years.
Justin lived as a true philosopher, taught a number of disciples, and defended the Catholic faith publicly–without fear of persecution. In 168 AD, he was reported to Roman officials and beheaded. He is this referred to as “Justin the Matryr”.
William C. Michael
