Today, the disparity of the facts slaps our consciences. Perpetua and Felicity were two women -young nursing mothers- of the 2nd century who suffered martyrdom the year 203. And, behold, these are the wonders of Christianity: for the love of Christ they died as sisters when, actually, Felicity was Perpetua’s slave. The two of them --holding onto each other - endured the same torment in the same way. Before the Lord, there is no difference between "Jew" and "Greek": we are all Christ's, and Christ is God’s (cf. 1 Cor 3:22-23).

Another contrast that strikes us: the Christian brothers treated with Felicity and Perpetua a delicate, caring, loving treatment - almost worship - during their last hours, while authorities and pagans behaved in the rudest and most outrageous manner. It is surprising, the extent viciousness can attain in humans when – released from the Creator – they can even enjoy tearing apart the martyr’s body... Away from the Logos - eternal Love and Reason - man may reach a level of irrationality unknown even among like-minded irrational savages.

This is, therefore, the drama of the “insulated consciousness. Insulated, from what? Isolated from the revelation of God” (Pope Francis). Jesus Christ does not want "war", but - in the words of old Simeon – He was to be a "sign that will be contradicted" (Lk 2:34). Whoever is not with Him is against Him and his followers (cf. Lk 11:23). The Love of God and Jesus Christ’ Cross do not leave anyone uncaring...

Paradoxically, the names of these Saints -"Felicity" and "Perpetua" - seem to contrast with the acceptance of the Cross and denial of "secular goods". Yes, they surrendered to the Cross of the Lord and gave up a transitory future, with a view to "perpetual felicity", the only one that really matters. The words of today's Gospel become reality: “Whoever loses his life for my sake will find it” (Mt 10:39).