THE FEAST OF ST APOLLINARIS. BISHOP AND MARTYR.
THE FEAST OF ST APOLLINARIS, BISHOP AND MARTYR.
"The Pharisees went out and took counsel against Jesus to put him to death.
"When Jesus realized this, he withdrew from that place. Many people followed him, and he cured them all, but he warned them not to make him known. This was to fulfill what had been spoken through Isaiah the prophet:
"Behold, my servant whom I have chosen, my beloved in whom I delight; I shall place my Spirit upon him, and he will proclaim justice to the Gentiles.
"He will not contend or cry out, nor will anyone hear his voice in the streets. A bruised reed he will not break, a smoldering wick he will not quench, until he brings justice to victory. And in his name the Gentiles will hope. (Matthew 12: 14 - 21).
Saturday July 20th in the 15th Week of Ordinary Time is the feast of St Apollinaris.
St Apollinaris. (Bishop and Martyr). Syrian. Died 79 AD in Ravenna, Italy where he was Bishop. Two things are outstanding about our saint:
#1 The Apostle Peter himself ordained him a Bishop.
#2 St Apollinaris had an extraordinary gift of healing. The pagan Roman priests were so jealous of him that they persuaded Emperor Claudius to put him to death.
In our key Scripture for today, the Prophet Isaiah revealed how the Messiah will fulfill His great Mission.
"He will not contend or cry out, nor will anyone hear his voice in the streets. A bruised reed he will not break, a smoldering wick he will not quench, until he brings justice to victory."
In other words, the Messiah will be a Pastor, not a politician. He is a Good Shepherd drenched with the smell of the sheep.
The disciples will find it impossible to fill the shoes of the Shepherd-Messiah. But no fear, no worry, no doubt. This is the mission of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit will prepare the disciples for this role. He will abide in them, teach them and comfort them in the missionland.
The Church honors the Most Precious Blood of Jesus Christ in July.
'In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace." (Ephesians 1: 7).
Most Precious Blood of Jesus Christ purify and heal us.
For Prayers and Prayer intentions for the Most Precious Blood of Jesus Christ click the link below:
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