• =?UTF-8?Q?=C2 June_30=3A_The_First_Martyrs_of_Rome?=

    From rich@1:396/4 to All on Tue Jun 29 10:28:33 2021
    From: rich <richarra@gmail.com>

    =C2 June 30: The First Martyrs of Rome
    =C2 (died 64-68)

    Today we celebrate the feast of the First Martyrs of Rome brave and
    courageous Christians who suffered for their faith. Following the
    Ascension of Christ, the disciples had preached the Gospel, spreading throughout the region. Some, as we have read, settled in Rome, where
    they continued to convert and baptize in the name of Jesus. This was
    most unsettling to the Emperor, as it led to conflict between the
    majority of Rome's citizens--Jews--and the new Christians.

    In approximately 49 A.D., the historian Suetonius recorded that
    Christians were expelled from Rome by the Emperor Claudius, due to
    disturbances that he attributed to Christ. However, it appears likely
    that after the Emperor's death, the Christian citizens of Rome
    returned, only to be persecuted in a much crueler and vindictive
    manner by Emperor Nero.

    In July of 64 a large fire broke out in Rome, destroying nearly half
    of the city. The fire was blamed on the Emperor, who is said to have
    wanted to enlarge his palace. Nero quickly blamed the Christians, who
    he accused of =E2=80=9Chatred of the human race=E2=80=9D and likened to mod= ern-day
    terrorists. As a result, public outcry was minimal when Nero ordered
    thousands to be put to death-- some were covered with the skins of
    animals and thrown to wild dogs to be torn apart; others were
    crucified and at sunset were covered in oil and used as human torches
    to light the path of the Emperor's chariot. Saints Peter and Paul w=
    ere
    among those martyred. Needless to say, eventually the good people of
    Rome took offense to Nero's rampant persecution of Christians, and
    following a revolt by the military, he took his own life in 68 A.D.


    The Roman historian Tacitus tells the story of the first Martyrs of Rome:

    "Yet no human effort, no princely largess nor offerings to the gods
    could make that infamous rumor disappear that Nero had somehow ordered
    the fire. Therefore, in order to abolish that rumor, Nero falsely
    accused and executed with the most exquisite punishments those people
    called Christians, who were infamous for their abominations. The
    originator of the name, Christ, was executed as a criminal by the
    procurator Pontius Pilate during the reign of Tiberius; and though
    repressed, this destructive superstition erupted again, not only
    through Judea, which was the origin of this evil, but also through the
    city of Rome, to which all that is horrible and shameful floods
    together and is celebrated. Therefore, first those were seized who
    admitted their faith, and then, using the information they provided, a
    vast multitude were convicted, not so much for the crime of burning
    the city, but for hatred of the human race. And perishing they were additionally made into sports: they were killed by dogs by having the
    hides of beasts attached to them, or they were nailed to crosses or
    set aflame, and, when the daylight passed away, they were used as
    nighttime lamps. Nero gave his own gardens for this spectacle and
    performed a Circus game, in the habit of a charioteer mixing with the
    plebs or driving about the racecourse. Even though they were clearly
    guilty and merited being made the most recent example of the
    consequences of crime, people began to pity these sufferers, because
    they were consumed not for the public good but on account of the
    fierceness of one man."
    =C2 by Jacob

    Saint Quote:
    If you wish to arrive speedily at the summit of perfection, animate
    yourself to the true love of shame, insults, and calumny.
    --St. Ignatius

    Bible Quote:
    And then shall many be scandalized: and shall betray one another: and
    shall hate one another. And many false prophets shall rise, and shall
    seduce many. And because iniquity hath abounded, the charity of many
    shall grow cold.=C2 But he that shall persevere to the end, he shall be saved.=C2 (Matt 24:10-13)

    <><><><>
    Aspirations

    Omnipotence of the Father, help my frailty, and rescue me
    from the depths of misery.

    Wisdom of the Son, direct all my thoughts, words, and actions.

    Love of the Holy Spirit, be the source of all the operations of
    my soul, so that they may be entirely conformed to Thy Divine Will.

    Eternal Father, by the Most Precious Blood of Jesus Christ,
    glorify His most holy Name according to the desires of His adorable Heart.

    We give Thee thanks, Almighty God, for all Thy benefits.
    Who livest and reignest world without end. Amen.

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