John is considered "a martyr in will but not in deed" because for one who loves the proclamation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, Crucified and Risen, and who loves the body of Christ the Church, exile from the community is a fate more terrible than the sudden death of a blood martyr.
The Commites Christi festivals on the Second through Fourth Days of Christmas commemorate Stephen (a martyr in will and deed); the Holy Innocents (martyrs in deed but not in will); and St. John (a martyr in will but not in deed). There is great logic and wisdom to this "Christmastide Triduum"
ping for later reading/reflection.
ping for later reading/reflection.
Excellent post!