Friday, July 28 : The Apostolic Constitutions

If we are called to martyrdom, we should make steadfast confession of the holy Name. And if we are punished on this account, let us rejoice since we are hastening towards immortality. If we are persecuted let us not be cast down about it, “let us not be enamoured of the present world”, nor of “human praise ” (2Tm 4:10; Rom 2:29), nor of the glory and honor shown to princes, as reliable. These admire the Lord’s deeds but do not believe in him for fear of the high priests and other leaders, for “they preferred human praise to the glory of God” (Jn 12:43). In “making a noble confession” of the faith (1Tm 6:12) not only do we ensure our own salvation but we strengthen that of the newly baptized and consolidate the faith of the catechumens… So let him who is judged worthy of martyrdom rejoice to imitate his master, for it is ordained: “Let each one be perfect like his teacher,” (cf Lk 6:40). Now, our teacher, the Lord Jesus , was struck down on our account; he patiently endured calumny and insult; he was covered with spittle, slapped, scourged; after being whipped, he was nailed to the cross; he was given vinegar and gall to drink and, having fulfilled the Scriptures, he said to God his Father: “Into your hands I commend my spirit,” (Lk 23:46). And so whoever asks to become his disciple, let him aspire to struggle as he did; let him imitate his patience, knowing that… whatever happens to him, he will be repaid by God if he believes in the one and only true God… For our all-powerful God will bring us back to life through our Lord Jesus Christ, according to his infallible promise, together with all those who have died since the beginning… Even if we die at sea, even if we are scattered on the ground, even if we are torn apart by savage beasts or birds of prey, he will raise us up by his power, for the whole universe is held in the hand of God. “Not a hair of your head,” he says, “will be destroyed.” That is why he urges us in these words: “It is by your perseverance that you will gain life.”

Roman Extraordinary (Tridentine) Daily Readings – rosary,team