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Gospel Reading for May 26, 2025 – John 15: 26 – 16: 4a
THE BLOOD OF THE MARTYRS
Jesus said to his disciples: “When the Advocate comes whom I will send you from the Father, the Spirit of truth who proceeds from the Father,he will testify to me. And you also testify, because you have been with me from the beginning.
“I have told you this so that you may not fall away. They will expel you from the synagogues; in fact, the hour is coming when everyone who kills you will think he is offering worship to God. They will do this because they have not known either the Father or me. I have told you this so that when their hour comes you may remember that I told you.”
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How scary it must have been for the apostles to hear this. Without the Holy Spirit, it would not be possible to stay strong and firm in the Faith, especially with Jesus no longer around. It is said that except for John the Beloved, all the others suffered and died in the hands of their persecutors. Aside from them, there were many followers who also became martyrs for the Faith, and this includes the many missionaries who had to introduce the Faith to the far ends of the earth. What we enjoy now is from THE BLOOD OF THE MARTYRS. This is why it is such a SHAME if we take for granted the freedom to practice our Faith without having to pay for the price. It was Jesus, the apostles, and all others who suffered and died for the Faith who paid the price for what we enjoy today.
Lord Jesus, and all martyrs in heaven, forgive us for the times we took for granted the freedom to practice our Faith!
