Collect taken from the memorial of St. Apollinaris, bishop and martyr.
Collect: Direct your faithful, Lord, in the way of eternal salvation, which the Bishop Saint Apollinaris showed by his teaching and martyrdom, and grant, through, his intercession, that we may so persevere in keeping your commandments as to merit being crowned with him. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son…
“Direct your faithful, Lord, in the way of eternal salvation, which the Bishop Saint Apollinaris showed by his teaching and martyrdom”
– As a shepherd, St. Apollinaris was charged not only with giving instruction, but with modeling the life of Christ in his own. By God’s grace, he did so to the point of death, so we beg God to lead us in that same path self-denial and love.
“and grant, through, his intercession, that we may so persevere in keeping your commandments as to merit being crowned with him.”
– Rather than praying for understanding or success, we seek perseverance. Even if our following of the commandments is not always perfect, perseverance is the key to moving toward perfection. And, it is perfection that crowns us in heaven as it crowns St. Apollinaris now.
Questions & Advice: Do you follow Christ’s teaching in word only, or in deed? Again and again we should ask ourselves, “am I willing to die for this belief?” Do you let your current imperfections stop you from trying to obey God anyway?
Read about perfection and holiness in the Catechism (2012-2016). Spend some of your prayer time reflecting on your most serious or most common faults. Instead of beating yourself up, simply pray for perseverance in fighting it, even if it means a slow battle over a long time.
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| Santce Apollinare, ora pro nobis! |