Category Archives: martyrdom

The Tempter Appeared

Posted on March 29, 2023 by Matthew Phillips

“One day when he was alone, the tempter appeared.  A little black bird…set about fluttering around him, approaching his face in an annoying manner, so close that the holy man could have caught it in his hand if he had … Continue reading →

Posted in conversion, martyrdom, medieval, theology | Leave a comment

Imitate the Martyr

Posted on October 2, 2022 by Matthew Phillips

“It is the passion of the most blessed martyr Cyprian that has made this day into a feast for us, and the celebration of his triumph that has brought us together in such a spirit of devotion. But the right … Continue reading →

Posted in Augustine of Hippo, Love, martyrdom | Leave a comment

The Martyr Remains

Posted on July 5, 2022 by Matthew Phillips

“[The psalmist] says next: the back of his back is like pale gold.  Better pale gold than glittering brass: ‘the foolishness of God is wiser than men.’ Gold is the Word, gold is wisdom.  This gold discolored itself, concealing the … Continue reading →

Posted in Bernard of Clairvaux, Cross, gospel, Love, martyrdom, medieval, theology | Leave a comment

The Suffering of the Blessed Virgin

Posted on February 2, 2018 by Matthew Phillips

“Therefore, this holy Virgin was a true martyr during these three days, and they were much harder for her than the external pain and torture was for any other saint.  She was in anxiety because of her Son that she … Continue reading →

Posted in depression, Martin Luther, martyrdom, Mary, medieval, preaching | Leave a comment

Luther, Persecution, the Cross, and Martyrdom

Posted on June 6, 2013 by Matthew Phillips

I am working on a presentation for a symposiusm at Saint Louis University from June 17 through June 19, 2013. http://smrs.slu.edu/ My paper will examine the relationship between Martin Luther’s understanding of martyrdom and the theology of the cross.  Particularly, it will … Continue reading →

Posted in Martin Luther, martyrdom, persecution | Leave a comment