St Justin

     St Justin is considered one of the very first Apologists. He wrote to defend the Faith and to explain and justify Christian beliefs to non-believers. He converted to Christianity and studied various philosophies including "platonism", integrating his philosophical understanding with Christian teachings. His most famous works are his "Apologies" and "Dialogue with Trypho". Trypho being a man in the service of Greek Culture. A Jew living in Greece, who came to talks with Justin on various topics such as Jewish criticism. Justin's side of debate to defend Christianity against the Jewish criticism, basing his beliefs on Old testament interpretations. Justin was reared in a Jewish environment, and was a pagan with pagan beliefs. In 132, he became a Christian. He wandered from place to place proclaiming this newfound Christianity in the hopes of converting and educating pagans. Justin was persecuted by the Roman prefect and condemned to death with six of his companions. Being beheaded, authentic records prove his martyrdom. 

     His martyrdom proves yet another example of heroic valor in the knowledge and spreading of our Faith. Fear has no leverage of height when we proclaim proudly and knowingly the word of God. We gain confidence, strength, and trust in the one true God and all that He continues to teach us. 

     Let us be "preacher men and women" of the Gospels and defend our Faith with the surrender that we are but instruments of Our Lord, to help convert and teach those all around us about a God that loves them also.