Father James Peterson's Weekly Newsletter - July 9, 2020
The Blood of the Martyrs
Greetings!
Greetings to you! How are you? I hope that you are staying healthy, holy, and as happy as can be with the Grace of God. Since July is a month dedicated to the Most Precious Blood of Jesus Christ, I thought that it would be fitting that we reflect upon the blood of the martyrs throughout the history of Christianity.
As it turns out, today is the optional memorial of the martyrs St. Augustine Zhao Rong and Companions. St. Augustine Zhao was a diocesan priest who boldly witnessed the Good News of Christ in China during the 1800s. By giving witness to the Lord by his life and then by his death he showed the power of the Blood of Christ at work within him. There were 119 other Chinese martyrs between the years of 1648 and 1930 who were canonized (officially recognized as saints) by Pope John Paul II in the year 2000. (Source: newmanconnection.com)
There is a quote from a 2nd century Christian named Tertullian which applies to St. Augustine Zhao and to others throughout the ages, “The Blood of the martyrs is the seed of the church.” (Source: catholic-link.org) Admittedly, the Christian faith is not the largest religious tradition in China. However, the tremendous life and martyrdom of St. Augustine Zhao and others have helped to sow the seeds of Christianity in the hearts of the people living there.
While we may not be outright persecuted for being Christians here in the United States because of our religious freedom we nonetheless can give joyful testimony to the power of the blood of Christ at work within our hearts, minds, bodies, and souls. From ancient Greek the very word “martyros” can be translated into English not merely as “martyr” but literally a “witness” (etymonline.com). We ask that the Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity of Jesus Christ would fill us with courage to be good and faith-filled witnesses. St. Augustine Zhao Rong and Companions - Pray for us!
Peace in Christ,
Fr. James
Fr. James Daily Video Message - July 9, 2020
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Pray for COVID-19 Anointing Corps, Patients, Families and Medical Support Teams
Parishioners across the Archdiocese are invited to prayerfully support those who are suffering most intensely, usually in sterile isolation, as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Text archspm-anointing to 55321 or sign up here to receive a text each time a COVID-19 Anointing Corps Priest is dispatched to give the Last Rites. Upon receipt of the text, those in this ministry commit to take a moment to pray:
One Our Father for the patient who is in danger of death, as they prepare to meet our Heavenly Father face-to-face;
One Hail Maryfor the patient’s family and friends, asking the Blessed Mother, Our Lady of Sorrows, to intercede to comfort them; and
One Glory Bein thanksgiving for the priest and for his protection, as well as the medical team attending to the patient.
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