True Courage

The story from the Maccabean revolt that we read today may be the story of the most courageous person of all. A mother of seven sons all of whom are killed for refusing to give in to the demands of the king and break the law of Moses. We are told that the youngest son is promised great wealth, but with his mother's encouragement has the courage to go to his death.

Is there any pain worse than that of a mother or a father when the see a child die?  Could there be any more courageous act than the act of this woman.

The Bible does not give her name but in many of the Eastern Churches she is referred to as Solomonia.  She is an example of courage, but she also reminds us that a martyr is a person who will die for their faith, but does not kill others.