I Will Die This Day with Gladness
Despite his humble attitude and contrite heart, John Hus was condemned to burn at the stake. After being disrobed of everything but his tunic; and, with the devilish paper hat planted firmly on his bleeding head, that same day, June 8, 1415, Hus was led to the stake under armed guard for fear that his followers would stage an uprising. Seeing the stake with the wood and straw piled high around it, Hus dropped to his knees to pray and commit himself once more to the living God. His hands were tied behind his back with ropes and his neck was attached to the stake with a chain. Hus was given a final moment to recant, but he firmly declined.
His reply was heard clearly by the large crowd of supporters that came to offer him strength, “God is my witness that I have never taught that of which I have been accused of by false witnesses. In the truth of the Gospel which I have written, taught and preached, I will die today with gladness.” In a final blow of vindictiveness, the kindling used for the fire was John Wycliffe’s manuscripts. With the straw and wood piled all the way to Hus’ neck, he greeted the flames by singing, “Christ, thou Son of the living God, have mercy upon me.”
Date: 7th September 2024
Martyr: John Hus
Location: Not specified
Source: God’s General-The Martyrs
Author: Robert Liardon
Suffering Saturday 107
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