from the Treasury and our Synod's website:At the beginning of the third century, the Roman emperor Septimus Severus forbade conversions to Christianity. Among those disobeying that edict were Perpetua, a young noblewoman, and her maidservant Felicitas. Both were jailed at Carthage in North Africa along with three fellow Christians. During their imprisonment, Perpetua and Felicitas witnessed to their faith with such conviction that the officer in charge became a follower of Jesus. After making arrangements for the well-being of their children, Perpetua and Felicitas were executed on March 7, 203. Tradition holds that Perpetua showed mercy to her captors by falling on a sword because they could not bear to put her to death. The story of this martyrdom has been told ever since as an encouragement to persecuted Christians.
The Treasury supplies an additional, beautiful account by Tertullian of their martyrdom.
Glory to You, Most Holy Father, for giving to Your servants Perpetua and Feliticas and their companions the grace of martyrdom, that they might confess their Lord by their death as by their words. Glory to You! "Teach us through their example, and the example of so many martyrs, to be ever watchful for the confession of Your Son's name. Let us not be put to shame when the evil foe lays his hand on us. But if it is Your will that we be persecuted for confessing Jesus as our Lord and only Savior, then support us in Your grace that we may withstand all trials, and grant us peaceful rest, through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. " (Treasury, p. 1307)
4 comments:
Was the Old Testament reading for Saturday Lent 1 off by a chapter?
Yes, I think it was. That's why the Writing didn't match! There's an oops that CPH needs to fix in future printings. But it WAS good to read about Melchizedek.
The reason that I caught that one was because it was the additional reading for yesterday. I was using Treasury today and thought, "Hey! I read this yesterday!" Lol!
During Lent, we at Good Shepherd have been remembering with thanksgiving those saints whose commemoration days fall in or around the Lenten season this year. It is so encouraging to remember the faithfulness of these two young mothers who gave up a lifetime of hugs and kisses, first steps, first words, etc. from their little ones. I have been very encouraged by the response of my sheep to the lives of those faithful who have gone before us.
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