THE FEAST OF ST JOHN I, PONTIFF AND MARTYR.
THE FEAST OF ST JOHN I, PONTIFF AND MARTYR.
IN THIS WORLD YOU WILL HAVE TROUBLE.
THE GOSPEL:
"The disciples said to Jesus, “Now you are talking plainly, and not in any figure of speech.
Now we realize that you know everything and that you do not need to have anyone question you.
Because of this we believe that you came from God.”
Jesus answered them, “Do you believe now? Behold, the hour is coming and has arrived when each of you will be scattered to his own home and you will leave me alone.
But I am not alone, because the Father is with me.
I have told you this so that you might have peace in me.
In the world you will have trouble, but take courage, I have conquered the world.” (John 16: 29 - 33).
Monday May 18th in the 7th Week in the Easter Season is the feast of St John I, POPE AND MARTYR.
St. John I, pope and martyr, served the Church from 523 to 526 during a turbulent time in the Roman Empire.
Born in Tuscany, he was sent by King Theodoric to Constantinople on a diplomatic mission, but upon his return he was unjustly imprisoned and died in Ravenna on May 18, 526.
Remembered for his courage, faith, and suffering for the Church, he is honored as a martyr on May 18th.
Jesus predicted the persecutions of the disciples in the Last Supper Discourse:
"Amen, amen, I say to you, you will weep and mourn, while the world rejoices; you will grieve, but your grief will become joy."
The antagonism to Jesus and His Gospel is more pronounced today than ever.
If you are not prepared today to bear witness to Jesus, what is the likelihood that you will be ready tomorrow?
"YOU FOLLOW ME!"
The Scripture says: "O that today you will listen to His voice, harden not your hearts."
"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." (John 16: 33), says the Lord.
There will be no shortage of troubles for Christians in the world. The persecution of Christians started with the murderous intentions of King Herod. Herod intending to eliminate Jesus murdered the Innocents.
Christians have been discriminated against, robbed and deprived of property, citizenship and murdered for no other reason but because they are followers of Jesus Christ.
If you want to be a genuine Christian, prepare yourself for suffering. Jesus prophetic and encouraging words are true:
"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." (John 16: 33).
"Glory to you, O Christ, you are the Word of God!
Your words are spirit, Lord, and they are life;
you have the message of eternal life.
Glory to you, O Christ, you are the Word of God!" (Cf. John 6 :63,68).
The Church honors the Blessed Virgin Mary in the Month of May.
“The heart of Mary, more than any other, is a humble heart, capable of accepting God's gifts.” — Pope Francis.
“Being in God and with God, she is close to each one of us... and has been given to us, as the Lord said, precisely as a ‘mother’ to whom we can turn at every moment.” — Pope Benedict XVI.
Honor Mary through the Holy Rosary, Litany, Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, Consecration to The Immaculate Heart of Mary, Pilgrimages, etc.
For the Litany, 15 Promises of Mary, Consecration Prayer, etc and Prayer intentions click the link below:
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