Bademus was very wealthy man of Persia who felt the desire to give himself to God. He found a monastery near his own city and ruled it with great holiness. He spent while nights in prayer and sometimes, for several days, the only thing he ate was bread and water. He showed his followers how to become saints by being kind, understanding, and loving. In doing these things, Bademus found true happiness.
For thirty-six years, the King had been persecuting the Christians. Now, some of his men arrested the Abbot Bademus and seven of his followers. They were locked up in chains and put in prison for four months. Every day they were taken out and were beaten with ropes and whip-like sticks. With patience and joy they suffered it all for Jesus.
At the same time, a Christian prince named Nersan was also put in prison for the Faith. At first he refused to adore the sun, but then he lost courage and gave up the Faith. The cruel king told Nersan that if he would kill St. Bademus, he would be set free and given back all his property. Narsan picked up the sword to murder Bademus who stood there unafraid to die for Christ. Suddenly Nersan stopped, frightened at the terrible at the terrible sin he was about to commit. ‘Unhappy Nersan,” said St. Bademus. “I am ready to die, but I wish you were not the one to put me to death!”
Yet Nersan was too much of a coward to stand up and die for his faith. At last he began to strike the Abbot. His hand shook so much that he kept wounding the Saint without killing him. St. Bademus took the terrible pain patiently. At last Nersan killed him. For his crime, he himself was tortured and killed by the sword.
Let us resolve never to be cowards who sin out of fear.
