Strengthening Converts and European Missions
He returned to strengthen the faith of his converts before finally sailing to Europe; and, over the next fifteen years, he tried to drum up like-minded followers for his cause in Naples, Rome, Paris and Barcelona, all the while writing prolifically. His constant movement, despite the harsh conditions of medieval life, is proof of his tenacity and courage.
Compassion for the Jewish People
As Llull travelled throughout Europe, he also showed love to, and laboured on behalf of the despised Jews. In 1253, Jews were expelled from France; and, in 1290, they were expelled from England. Many were put to death by the Spanish Inquisition, and few Christians dared to defend Jews in politics, even if they aided them in private. This despised race, however, was not outside the circle of Llull’s love and interest. He wrote many books to prove to them that their expected Messiah was none other than the Jesus of Nazareth. His great mission to the Saracens [Muslims] in Africa did not blind him to the needs of missions at home.
Persecution in Bejaia
Now in his mid-seventies, Llull travelled again to Bejaia, North Africa—a fortified seaport in modern-day Algeria. He immediately went to the public square and preached Christianity over Islam. Instantly, a mob gathered and attacked him. The authorities rescued him but then threw him into a dungeon, where he remained imprisoned for six months. While there, he was bribed and tortured to entice him to recant his faith, but he steadfastly refused to deny Christ and continued to preach the Gospel even in prison. The Muslim authorities feared to bring him to court lest his arguments proved unanswerable, yet they hesitated to execute him because of his intellect and his favour with European kings. So, they once again put him aboard a ship, but, this time well-guarded, and expelled him.
To be continued…
Date: 20th July 2024
Martyr: Ramon Llull
Location: Not specified
Source: God’s Generals – The Martyrs
Author: Roberts Liardon
Suffering Saturday 100
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