June 30 – First Martyrs of the Church of Rome

O Jesus Christ, the first martyrs of the Church of Rome were unnamed Christians who were brutally killed by Nero.  They were forced to wear animal skins and hunted, and they were made into living torches to brighten the road on which Nero traveled.  I ask these martyrs to pray for me when I am in fear.  Give me strength, O Lord, from their example of courage.  Deliver me from all the fears I have: the petty ones, the hidden ones, and the most paralyzing ones.  Fear causes us to believe lies about ourselves and stops us from growing, but Your love casts out all fear.  Help me to “be not afraid!”  Holy first martyrs of the Church of Rome, pray for me.  Amen.

Quotes for Today

Blessed Raymond Lull (1234-1316)
Feast day June 30

A true servant of Christ, who has himself experienced the truth of the faith, can fear no peril of death, if he may only lead souls to salvation.”

The Holy Spirit can give more grace through understanding than through believing, because believing serves to promote understanding. Believing is an instrument for understanding, whereas understanding is not an instrument for believing. This is what the prophet Isaiah meant when he said: ‘Unless you believe, you will not understand’ (Isaiah 7: 9).”

As the needle naturally turns to the north when it is touched by the magnet, so must your servant turn so he may praise, and magnify, and serve his God and Lord.”

The prayer above is from Terry Modica’s book Daily Prayers with the Saints.

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