July 20 2021 - St. Apollonaris, martyr - Witness matters

 My final year of college seminary, I was able to spend a semester studying abroad in the Holy City of Rome.  Not only were we able to soak up the culture, piety, and religious history of Rome, but we were able to travel to many of the other important cities to Catholicism, at least in Italy.  

Our Church architecture professor took us to the city of Ravenna, known for its beautiful mosaics and ancient churches.  In the Cathedral of Ravenna, behind the altar is a beautiful mosaic of that city’s first bishop, the saint whom the Church celebrates today, Apollinaris.  Apollinaris was a disciple of the Apostle Peter and was famous for the gift of healing.  In fact, that’s what started to get him into trouble.  

Sent by Peter to Ravenna, Apollonaris began preaching in the town. A certain, Roman Tribune impressed by the man, welcomed the new bishop to his home. The tribune brought the bishop to the bed of his blind son who Bishop Apollonaris immediately healed.  The Tribune and his family converted on the spot, and even offered their home as the new headquarters for the bishop. 

The faith flourished in Ravenna in the 26 years Apollonaris was Bishop there, until the Imperials had enough of him. He was imprisoned and tortured, exiled after he miraculously survived his tortures, including being plunged into boiling oil. He continued to win converts even in exile, so he was captured and imprisoned again, and finally beaten to death in the year A.D. 79. 

Whenever we celebrate the martyrs, we are challenged by them in a number of ways.  Would I have the strength of faith to witness with my life?  But also, the perhaps more pressing question, do my words and deeds mark me as a Christian?  Do I make people like the Roman Imperials concerned because souls are becoming Christian or taking their faith more seriously because of my efforts?  

Now the beautiful ancient churches and famous mosaics of Ravenna were not fashioned for about 400 years after the martyrdom of her first bishop. But without men like Apollonaris there wouldn’t have been Christians in Ravenna whose great great grandchildren would go on to build those churches and mosaics. What we do in this life matters. The example of our faith and the perseverance through difficulty matters. 

May the Martyrs preserve us, inspire us, and strengthen us for the witness and work God has for us in our own time, for the glory of God and salvation of souls.

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Our Savior’s faithfulness is mirrored in the fidelity of his witnesses who shed their blood for the Word of God. Let us praise him in remembrance of them:

The martyrs professed their faith by shedding their blood, may we have a faith that is constant and pure. 

The martyrs followed in Christ’s footsteps by carrying the cross, may we endure courageously our earthly trials and all the misfortunes of life.

The martyrs washed their garments in the blood of the Lamb, may we be helped by their prayers to overcome the weaknesses of the flesh and worldly allurements.

For Pope Francis’ prayer intention for the month of July: That priests, who experience fatigue and loneliness in their pastoral work, may find help and comfort in their intimacy with the Lord and in their friendship with their brother priests. We pray to the Lord.

For all who have died, and for all the poor souls in purgatory, and for X. for whom this Mass is offered.

Incline your merciful ear to our prayers, we ask, O Lord, and listen in kindness to the supplications of those who call on you. Through Christ our Lord