Tag: faith

St. Andrew, brother of St. Peter and one of the first disciples, preached Christ across Scythia and Greece, ultimately martyred for his faith. His dedication, evangelistic courage, and humility in serving others exemplify faithful discipleship. Andrew’s witness strengthened the early Church and continues to inspire believers to follow Christ boldly and selflessly.

Andrew encourages discipleship marked by courage, humility, and dedication. May his life inspire evangelistic zeal, steadfast faith, and joy in serving Christ, trusting His guidance in all circumstances.

The vigil anticipates St. Andrew, apostle and missionary, who brought others to Christ and witnessed faithfully despite persecution. His life exemplifies evangelistic zeal, humility, and willingness to suffer for the Gospel. The vigil invites reflection on preparation, prayer, and readiness to live faithfully as disciples.

Andrew’s vigil encourages preparation for faithful witness. May his example inspire readiness, humility, and zeal for sharing the Gospel, fostering devotion in daily life and commitment to Christ’s mission.

St. Catherine, a learned princess and martyr, boldly defended the Christian faith before the emperor and converted many through reasoned argument. She endured torture and death rather than renounce Christ, demonstrating courage, wisdom, and fidelity. Catherine’s life illustrates the harmony of intellect, faith, and moral courage in the service of Christ and His Church.

Catherine reminds us that faith and reason work together in witnessing Christ. May her example inspire courage, intellectual engagement with God’s truth, and unwavering commitment to Christ in the face of challenges.

St. Chrysogonus, a Roman martyr, suffered for confessing Christ under Diocletian. Tradition portrays him as courageous, faithful, and unwavering in the face of death. His example strengthened the early Church and inspired fellow believers to remain steadfast. Chrysogonus’ life demonstrates the enduring power of faith and the importance of courage and integrity in confessing Christ publicly.

Chrysogonus encourages courage in confession and trust in God’s sovereignty. May his life inspire steadfastness, boldness in faith, and a willingness to bear trials with patience and confidence in God’s promises.

St. Cecilia, a Roman virgin and martyr, is celebrated for her dedication to Christ and her witness in the midst of persecution. Tradition emphasizes her love for music as a form of praise to God, linking artistry with devotion. Her courage and commitment inspire Christians to live faithfully, even when it involves sacrifice, and to offer gifts, talents, and lives wholly to God.

Cecilia encourages offering our gifts to God in love and service. May her example inspire courage in faith, dedication to Christ, and the use of our talents to glorify Him and edify His Church.

St. Elisabeth, a princess of Hungary, devoted her life to the poor and sick, practicing humility, charity, and self-denial. She founded hospitals and gave generously, reflecting Christ’s compassion. Despite courtly responsibilities and opposition, she remained steadfast in faith. Her life demonstrates that love for neighbor is inseparable from devotion to God, and that true greatness lies in service and mercy.

Elisabeth inspires us to serve with compassion and humility. May her example encourage generous hearts, care for the suffering, and joyful obedience to God, reflecting His love in practical ways to those around us.

Nereus and Achilleus were first-century soldiers who became Christians. They decided that, as Christians, it was wrong for them to fight for the pagan Roman Empire. So they ran away to the island of Terracina (located southeast of the city of Rome); when they were found, they were beheaded. This occurred during the persecution of Christians under the Roman emperor Trajan. Saint Damasus honored them with a tombstone some years later, at a church dedicated at the site of their deaths. “O miracle of faith!” wrote Damasus, “Suddenly they cease from their fury, they become converted, they flee from the camp of their wicked leader.   Professing the faith of Christ, they are happy to witness to its triumph!”

Adapted from “Saints: Becoming an Image of Christ Every Day of the Year”, by Beutner

Today is the Feast of Saint Ambrose, Bishop & Confessor. The appointed readings are Sirach 50:1b–8 and Matthew 5:13-16. Listen to Father Jerome Leckband’s homily from this morning’s Matins service at All Saints.

Yesterday was the Feast of the Annunciation of Our Lord, in which we remember the announcement of the Christ-Child by the archangel Gabriel to the Blessed Virgin Mary and Jesus’ conception by the Holy Spirit in the Virgin’s womb. Beginning on this day, nine months before the Nativity of Our Lord at Christmas, God took on human flesh in order that as the God-Man He might take our sin upon Himself and rescue us from sin, death, and the power of the devil. In Christ, humanity is restored. As Jesus has been born to be the new Adam and the firstborn of the new creation, so now all who are born again through being united with Christ in Holy Baptism have become part of the restored humanity as children of God and have the promise of complete renewal and restoration in Christ.