The Common of Martyrs

The Common of Martyrs is a set of special readings used at Mass. These readings honor those who died for their faith in Jesus. The Church calls them martyrs. They stayed true to God even when it cost them their lives. The Church celebrates their feast days with prayer, Scripture, and the Eucharist.

Some martyrs are very well known. They have their own special readings called “propers.” But many others do not. That is when the Church uses the Common of Martyrs. It gives priests choices for readings that match the faith and courage shown by these saints.

These readings focus on deep trust in God. They talk about giving up everything for Jesus. They remind us that real love for God is stronger than fear. These stories help us remember that faith is not always easy, but it is worth it.

The Church wants us to see the martyrs as examples. They were not perfect people, but they followed Jesus with all their hearts. Their courage came from God. Their lives teach us to hold onto our faith, even when it is hard.

The readings in the Common of Martyrs all share a theme. They speak about people who trusted God. They did not give up, even when they faced pain or death. These stories can feel far away, but they are real. These saints lived and died with hope in Jesus.

These passages tell us about sacrifice. Martyrs gave up family, safety, and comfort. They let go of everything, including life itself. But they did not lose their peace. They believed God would keep his promises. That gave them strength.

Many of us will not be asked to die for our faith. But we all face choices. We can stay quiet when we should speak truth. We can give in when things get hard. The martyrs remind us to stay firm and follow Christ no matter the cost.

Their stories help us grow. They help us see what real faith looks like. Not just feelings or good thoughts, but strong, steady love for God. Their example gives us something to hold onto when life feels shaky.

Outside the Easter season, the first readings come from the Old Testament and the books of Maccabees. They tell of people who faced suffering and still stayed faithful to God. These stories help us see that God’s people have always faced trials.

• 2 Chronicles 24:18-22: The people of Judah abandoned God for idols, rejecting warnings from the prophets. Zechariah, filled with God’s spirit, rebuked them, but they conspired against him, leading to his death by stoning.
• 2 Maccabees 6:18, 21, 24-31: Eleazar refused to compromise his faith, even under threat of death. By accepting suffering, he left a powerful example of courage and fidelity to God for his people.
• 2 Maccabees 7:1-2, 9-14: Seven brothers courageously endured torture rather than break God’s law, trusting in God to raise them again. They boldly faced death, while warning their persecutors of judgment to come.
• 2 Maccabees 7:1, 20-23, 27b-29: A mother urged her seven sons to remain faithful to God’s law, enduring their deaths with hope in God’s promise to restore life to those who suffer for him.
• Wisdom 3:1-9: The just are held safe by God, enduring trials with hope in him. Though they seem to suffer, they will be blessed, shining like sparks and remaining in his love forever.
• Sirach 51:1-8: I thank God, my Savior, for being my protector in times of great danger. Though I faced death and had no one to help, he saved me by his mercy.

During the Easter season, the first readings come from Acts and Revelation. These readings are full of hope. They show us what comes after death for those who stay faithful. The focus turns to eternal life and joy with God.

• Acts 7:55-60: Stephen, seeing a vision of Jesus in heaven, was stoned by the crowd. As he died, he entrusted his spirit to Jesus and asked forgiveness for his attackers.
• Revelation 7:9-17: In John’s vision, a great multitude worships God and the Lamb. These faithful ones, purified through trials, are promised protection, life-giving water, and everlasting comfort from God.
• Revelation 12:10-12b: Also from John’s vision, salvation and God’s Kingdom are proclaimed as the accuser is defeated. The faithful conquer through Christ’s sacrifice, even unto death, and heaven rejoices.
• Revelation 21:5-7: God declares all things renewed and offers life-giving water to those who thirst. The faithful will inherit his promises and be his children forever.

The responsorial psalms for the Common of Martyrs are prayers from the heart. They speak of trust, hope, and God’s help. These psalms often talk about fear and danger, but they also show deep faith. They are good prayers for hard times.

• Psalm 31: I place my life in God’s hands, trusting him as my refuge and redeemer. I rejoice in his mercy and ask for rescue, finding strength in his faithful love.
• Psalm 34: I praise the Lord, who rescues me and fills me with joy. He answers the cries of the lowly, bringing safety and freedom from fear to those who trust in him.
• Psalm 124: If the Lord had not been with us, we would have been overcome. But he broke the trap and rescued us, giving us freedom and help in his name.
• Psalm 126: The Lord brought us out of captivity, filling us with laughter and joy. Though we may sow in sorrow, we will reap in joy, returning with a bountiful harvest.

In these verses, we see the martyrs’ confidence that, though they face hardship, God will bring them freedom, joy, and lasting peace.

The second readings come from the New Testament letters. These letters were written to people who were suffering. They offer comfort and courage. They teach us that trials can bring us closer to Christ.

• Romans 5:1-5: By faith, we have peace with God through Jesus and rejoice in the hope of his glory. Our hardships strengthen us, and God’s love fills our hearts.
• Romans 8:31b-39: God, who gave his own Son for us, justifies and defends us. Nothing—neither hardship nor power nor any created thing—can ever separate us from his love in Christ.
• 2 Corinthians 4:7-15: We endure hardship, bearing Christ’s death in our bodies so that his life may be shown. Trusting in God’s power, we believe he will raise us with Jesus.
• 2 Corinthians 6:4-10: As servants of God, we endure hardships and persecution, always rejoicing, and relying on God’s strength. Though often rejected, we live truthfully and abundantly, enriching others through our faith.
• 2 Timothy 2:8-13; 3:10-12: Though suffering for the Gospel, I endure for others’ salvation. Through persecution, God remains faithful and saves us. If we persevere with Christ, we will share in his glory forever.
• Hebrews 10:32-36: Hold onto your confidence, enduring all hardships, knowing there is lasting reward. God’s promise awaits those who stand firm in faith.
• James 1:2-4, 12: Rejoice in trials, knowing they strengthen faith and build perseverance. Those who endure will receive the crown of life, a promise from God to those who love him.
• 1 Peter 3:14-17: Even if you suffer for righteousness, you are blessed. Be ready to share the reason for your hope, with respect and a clear conscience, trusting in God’s will.
• 1 Peter 4:12-19: Do not be surprised by trials. Rejoice in sharing Christ’s sufferings and glorify God if you suffer for his name. Entrust your soul to God, continuing in faithful deeds.
• 1 John 5:1-5: Those who believe in Jesus as the Son of God are born of God. By loving and obeying God, they overcome the world through faith.

Through these readings, the Church highlights the strength that comes from faith, the blessing of perseverance, and the promise of eternal life for those who remain steadfast in following Christ.

The Gospel readings for the Common of Martyrs come straight from Jesus. He spoke honestly to his followers. He told them they would suffer. But he also gave them hope. These readings are honest and clear.

• Matthew 10:17-22: Jesus told his Apostles they would face great trials, betrayal, and hatred because of him. But they would be given words by God’s Spirit, and those who remain faithful will be saved.
• Matthew 10:28-33: Jesus called the Twelve to proclaim truth without fear, trusting in God’s care for them. He reminded them of their value and promised to honor those who stand firm in their faith.
• Matthew 10:34-39: Jesus warned his disciples that following him would cause division and even conflicts within families. He called them to love him fully, accepting the cross, and promised that those who give up their lives for him will find true life.
• Luke 9:23-26: Jesus invited everyone to follow him through self-denial, carrying their cross each day. He promised true life to those who give up their lives for him and warned against seeking worldly gain at the cost of one’s soul.
• John 12:24-26: Jesus taught that true life comes through sacrifice, like a grain of wheat that dies to bear fruit. Those who serve and follow him will find eternal life and receive honor from God.
• John 15:18-21: Jesus warned his disciples that, as he was rejected, so would they be, because he chose them out of the world. He reminded them to expect resistance and persecution on account of his name.
• John 17:11b-19: Jesus prayed that his disciples would be protected and kept united, consecrated in God’s truth, and filled with his joy. He asked that they be guarded from evil while they remained in the world, set apart by God’s word.

These readings invite believers to embrace the cross, trusting in God’s protection and the lasting reward of faithfulness. Through these words, Jesus encourages his followers to stand firm, finding life and hope in giving themselves fully to God.

The Bible

The Bible is a collection of writings filled with wisdom, history, and spiritual guidance. Each book reveals important lessons about faith and life. The Common of Pastors, used on feast days for priests and bishops, draws from these scriptures. It includes readings that focus on serving God, ministry, and being a shepherd to others. Through these readings, we see how leaders are called to care for God’s people, spread the Gospel, and live with humility. The Bible continues to guide us, offering timeless truths and practical wisdom for our lives today.

More About the Lectionary

You can use the Common of Martyrs together with the information found on our Lectionary page. This makes it easy to find out when a set of martyr readings will come up in the liturgical calendar. It is helpful for planning school lessons, youth group meetings, or parish events.

This page also helps if you want to reflect on martyr readings during personal prayer or classroom study. Just look up the lectionary number for a martyr’s feast day and see when it will be used again. Visit the page here.

What is the Common of Martyrs?

The Common of Martyrs is a set of readings used at Mass to honor saints who died for their faith. These readings are used when a martyr does not have their own special readings for their feast day.

Who are the martyrs?

Martyrs are people who died because they believed in Jesus. They stayed faithful even when it cost them their lives. The Church honors them as holy people who loved God more than anything else.

When is the Common of Martyrs used?

It is used on feast days of martyrs who do not have specific Scripture readings. The priest can choose from a list of approved readings that match the theme of martyrdom.

What do the readings talk about?

The readings talk about faith, courage, and trusting God. They tell stories of people who stayed strong in hard times. They remind us to keep following Jesus even when life is difficult.

Are these readings only for priests and churches?

No. Anyone can read and pray with these Scriptures. They are helpful for personal prayer, youth groups, classrooms, and Bible study.

Why are these readings important today?

These readings remind us that many people have suffered for their faith. They help us grow in trust, hope, and love for God. They teach us to be brave and faithful, just like the saints.

Are the same readings used all year?

There are different options. Some readings are used outside the Easter season. Others are used during Easter. The priest chooses what fits best for the day and the martyr being honored.

Can we teach this to children or teens?

Yes. These stories can help children and teens understand the cost of faith. They show real examples of people who followed Jesus no matter what. The language of the readings can be explained in simple ways.

The Common of Martyrs helps us remember the men and women who stayed faithful to Jesus, even when it was dangerous. Their stories show us what real courage looks like. They remind us that following Christ is worth any cost. These saints gave up everything because they trusted God.

When we read these Scriptures, we connect with their witness. We see that their strength came from prayer, hope, and love. These readings are not just about the past. They are also for today. They help us stay strong when we face our own struggles.

These stories are not just for adults or scholars. Children, teens, parents, and teachers can all learn from the martyrs. Their lives speak to all of us. They show us how to follow Jesus with a strong and steady heart.

Let these readings guide you. Let them shape your prayer. Let them help you find courage when you feel weak. The saints walked this road before us. Now it is our turn to follow.

Have you used the Common of Martyrs in your ministry, classroom, or family prayer? Maybe you’ve heard a reading that really stayed with you. Take a moment to share your experience in the comment section. Your story might help someone else.

Faith grows when we share it. These Scriptures remind us of the strength found in trusting God. Tell us how these stories of the martyrs have helped you or your group. We’d love to hear from you.