June 22 - Memorial of Martyrs - "...do not be surprised that a trial by fire..."

[MariaChristi]

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

Today is the Memorial of St. John Fisher, Bishop and St. Thomas More, (Layman and lawyer) who were murdered by order of King Henry VIII in England. I chose the readings for that Memorial because we are also living in tumultuous times and need to hear God’s Word and listen, truly listen for the Truth the Holy Spirit was sent to bring into the Catholic Church at Pentecost.

Due to CAF “word count” limit, I can’t post all the Readings, but I begin with the First Reading from which I took today’s title and include some excerpts:

Reading 1

Beloved, do not be surprised that a trial by fire is occurring among you,
as if something strange were happening to you.
But rejoice to the extent that you share in the sufferings of Christ,
so that when His glory is revealed
you may also rejoice exultantly.
If you are insulted for the name of Christ, blessed are you,
for the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you.
But let no one among you be made to suffer
as a murderer, a thief, an evildoer, or as an intriguer.
But whoever is made to suffer as a Christian should not be ashamed
but glorify God because of the name.
For it is time for the judgment to begin with the household of God;
if it begins with us, how will it end
for those who fail to obey the Gospel of God?

And if the righteous one is barely saved,
where will the godless and the sinner appear ?

As a result, those who suffer in accord with God’s will
hand their souls over to a faithful creator as they do good. ( [1 Peter 4:12-19])

Responsorial Psalm:

Those who sow in tears shall reap rejoicing. (Ps 126)

Alleluia Verse and Gospel:

R. Alleluia.
Blessed are they who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness,
for theirs is the Kingdom of heaven. (MT 5:10)

Gospel

Jesus said to the Twelve:
"Do not think that I have come to bring peace upon the earth.
I have come to bring not peace but the sword.
For I have come to set

a man ‘against his father,
a daughter against her mother,
and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law;
and one’s enemies will be those of his household.’

“Whoever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me,
and whoever loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me;
and whoever does not take up his cross
and follow after me is not worthy of me.
Whoever finds his life will lose it,
and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.” (Mt 10:34- 39)

Come, Holy Spirit, kindle in us the Fire of your Love. Give us growth in the supernatural gifts of Wisdom, Understanding Counsel, Knowledge, Fortitude, Piety and Fear of the Lord given to us at Baptism that we may recognize the enemy - even if they are members of our own household and choose to die rather than to deny you. Enable us to take up our cross and follow after Jesus.

Jesus, we trust in You! Mar, Mother of the Church, Queen of Martyrs, pray for us.

Note: Full Mass Readings for Ordinary Time and Optional Memorials at:

Monday of the Twelfth Week in Ordinary Time | USCCB

 

[hazcompat]

I was a member of St. Paulinus Parish from first grade to its closing!

Stay with us, Lord Jesus,
for evening draws near,
and be our companion on our way
to set our hearts on fire with new hope.
Help us to recognize your presence among us in the Scriptures we read,
and in the breaking of bread,
for you live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.
— Amen.

 

[MariaChristi]

Dear hazcompat,

It is so difficult for us to see the closing of Catholic schools and Churches. I too have seen both my Grade school and High school in NYC closed. So far the Church of my Baptism is still standing as far as I know.

The words you’ve posted are a testimony to your Faith in God – The Supernatural Faith He gifted us with in our Baptism, along with His Gifts of Supernatural Hope and a Supernatural Charity which gave us a share in His Divine Life.

Today is June 23 and the Scriptures for Mass give us again His Word of Truth to strengthen us: God is Faithful and True. He will come again to take us to our Eternal Home through Mary our Mother through whom He came the first time in Nazareth! The gates of hell shall not prevail – The Lord Jesus through the Immaculate Heart of Mary will triumph in the end.

 

[MariaChristi]

Dear Stephie,

Thanks again for your Faith-Full and loving “heart” which daily testifies to your love for Jesus through Mary. Let us please continue to pray for one another, for the Church in every country of the world, and especially for those in most need of God’s Mercy, through Mary.