Mystery of the day: Luminous
Saint of the day:
St. Peter Chanel
He was born on July 12, 1803 in Montrevel, France to Claude-Francois Chanel and Marie-Anne Sibellas. He was ordained a priest on July 15, 1827. In 1831 he joined the Society of Mary (Marists). He travelled to many places and then arrived at Futuna, an island in Pacific Ocean. The king of the island Niuliki received the missionaries well and helped in their work. The king became very angry with Peter and his missionaries, when the king’s son Meitala wanted to join in Christianity and to get baptism. The king sent his son-in-law Musumusu to deal with this matter. Musumusu tried to change the mind of Meitala, the son of the king. When his persuasion failed, Musumusu fought against Meitala but could not win him. So Musumusu took an axe and clubbed Peter Chanel in his head to death on April 28, 1841at the Futuna Island. The death of Peter Chanel reached outside world only after several months. After some period missionaries also returned to the island but found that most of the people in the island became catholic Christians, including Musumusu, who killed Peter Chanel. When in death bed, Musumusu expressed his desire to be buried in a place outside the church at Poi, so that people who would come to revere Peter Chanel in the church would walk over his grave to get into it.
He was beatified by pope Leo-XIII on November 17, 1889 and canonized by pope Pius-XII on June 12, 1954.
Reflection for the day
Theme: Bearing witness to the Truth.
"He who believes in the Son has eternal life; he who does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God rests upon him." (John 3:36)
The joy of being a true witness or follower is when one is able to withstand persecution and tribulation because of his faith in what he believes in. As Christians, our firm hope hinges on God.
Though, sometimes we are being caught up in the web of doubt and despair in the course of bearing witness to the Truth - which is Christ our Lord due to the challenges or circumstances we find ourselves.
However, Evangelist John in today's Gospel pericope gave account on this saying:
"He who believes in the Son has eternal life; he who does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God rests upon him." (John 3:36)
This called for authentic witness devoid of any condition we may experience in the course of living out our Christian call.
In the first reading of today, we saw the faith of the early Apostles/Disciples as led by St. Peter who publicly said: "It is better to obey God rather than men." (cf.Acts 5:27-33).
This Peter's stance borne out of his deep faith and other disciples in Christ, despite the opposition, they stood firm till the last breath. Their eagerness to preach in the name of Jesus spurred from their believe in Him.
Dearest friend(s) in Christ, what is the level of our believe in God especially when the going is tough? Just as the Apostles in the first reading of today, let our hope and trust be in God as the Apostles who atood firm in their witness to the Truth. When we do this, we will not only to by the ne Christians but will certainly live-out authentic Christian life.
Peace, Be with you!
Let us pray
O God, who for the salvation of the world brought about the paschal sacrifice, be favourable to the supplications of your people, so that Christ our High Priest, interceding on our behalf, may by his likeness to ourselves bring us reconciliation, and by his equality with you free us from our sins. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, who live sand reigns forever and ever. Amen.
© The ARCHIVE 28042022
Amen
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