Oscar Romero, Bishop of El Salvador & Martyr – Acts 2:14-24

‘In the last days it will be, God declares, that I will pour out my Spirit upon all flesh, and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams. (Acts 2:17, Peter quoting the Prophet Joel, NRSV)

He was presiding over Holy Mass on this date 35 years ago. Even though he had received threats, he continued to preach and preside, to stand with the forsaken against the oppressor. His life was at stake because he was prophesying the word of the Lord to those in power. He was standing up and telling the world God’s story of compassion for the downtrodden, life for the dying and hope for the hopeless. He stood up, with those words and led worship.

He was presiding over Holy Mass on this date 35 years ago. His life was at risk because he was dreaming dreams of a different world. He was seeing visions of a world wherein Christ is proclaimed rather than used as a weapon. He was dreaming dreams of a different tomorrow wherein political oppression would cease.

He was presiding over Holy mass on this date 35 years ago when a bomb blast took his life. Since then he has been remembered as a Martyr. He has been remembered as one who stood for those for whom Christ suffered and died. He is remembered as a Martyr. Bishop Oscar Arnulfo Romero gave his life for the cross in 1980.

As we proceed to the cross, let us take a moment to remember all who have given their life while following God’s call to serve the oppressed.

Gracious God, in every age you have sent men and women who have given their lives in witness to your love and truth. Inspire us with the memory of Bishop Oscar A. Romero, whose faithfulness led to the way of the cross, and give us courage to bear full witness in our time and with our lives to your Son’s victory over sin and death, for he lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen!

~Pastor John Sipf, St. Peter’s Ev. Lutheran Church and St. Mark’s Ev. Lutheran Church (Verdon)