The Collect for the Memorial of Sts. Nereus and Achilleus, Martyrs:
“Grant, we pray, almighty God, that we, who know the great courage of the glorious Martyrs Nereus and Achilleus in confessing you, may experience their loving intercession for us in your presence. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.”
Reflection
Besides the fact that they were martyrs who were loved by the early Church, we know almost nothing about Nereus and Achilleus. Some stories say they were Roman soldiers who converted and left the military. Another story says they were baptized by St. Peter himself. It could be both of these or neither, but we are certain they were martyrs because we trust the tradition of the early Church. And it is their martyrdom that inspires our prayer. We know these men died for their faith, so they are close to God. Thus, we ask for their prayers and for the grace of experiencing the support of those prayers in our life.
So, for your daily contribution to the Church’s collection of prayer,
Consider whether or not you are willing to die for the faith. Reflect on the fact that the Church has been around a long time and, from the beginning, there have been many who died for their faith. Pray and ask these two martyrs and all martyrs to help you have courage in confessing Christ. Then spiritually unite that prayer to all the Masses throughout the world today. That way, when the priest says “Let us pray,” you can be a part of that “us” even if you don’t get to attend Mass.