Today in the book In Caelo et in Terra, we read about St Sebastian. He has been depicted in art throughout the last 2000 years, as he was martyred with arrows. But that's only part of the story. You can read more about him here.
But after the emperor of Rome condemned him to die as a martyr for his faith, Sebastian was shot with arrows until he was almost (but not quite) dead. (He was feeling much better.) St Irene came and nursed him back to health. To be honest, I'm not sure I would have wanted that. If I'd been martyred by being shot full of arrows, I think I would have preferred to go straight to heaven, do not pass go, do not collect $200.
But St Sebastian went BACK to the emperor and told him he shouldn't be persecuting Christians. Which the emperor responded to by ordering Sebastian to be martyred AGAIN... this time by beating him with clubs. He actually died this time, and went straight to heaven. That's the cool thing about being a martyr: no time in purgatory necessary.
Thank You, God, for the amazing example of this martyr. St Sebastian, pray for us.
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