Martyrdom of Pope Marcellus
"Saint Cletus was the third bishop of Rome, and succeeded St. Linus, which shews his eminent virtue among the first disciples of St. Peter. He suffered martyrdom under the Emperor Domitian. St. Marcellinus succeeded St. Caius in the bishopric of Rome in the year 296. He acquired great glory in those stormy times of persecution, and is always styled a martyr, though he did not actually shed his blood in the cause of religion,
Pray for
the present bishop who fills that holy see, that he may be assisted from heaven for
the just discharge
of his duty, and be preserved from all
the criminal effects
of human weakness. Pray for all who suffer
on account
of their faith, that they may hazard all extremities, and forsake all rather than Christ and His truth. Tremble at
the thoughts
of human weakness; and seek
the best security in a most profound humility, and an entire dependence
on God. How far are you from
the disposition
of the martyrs,
when you can bear nothing with patience, are so easily disturbed, and
so often put into a passion! How far are you from this, who are so
little prepared to suffer any thing for God's sake: who cannot bear
the trouble
of an uneasy humor; who shrink from
the labor
of mortifying your own passions, and too often choose rather to transgress
the divine law, than hazard
the inconvenience
of being faithful to your duty. You must confess, that there is nothing in this
of the disposition
of a martyr. This is all weakness, and nothing but
the conduct
of nature.
It is nothing but what a heathen would do, who has neither faith to
direct him better, nor any promises to encourage him, nor God's
judgments to be an awe upon him. How unbecoming must this be in you, who
have so many helps, and blessings, mercies, commands, and threats, to
oblige you to another method. Confess your extreme misery, and beseech
God to let
the power
of his grace overcome all your weakness."
The Catholic Year by Fr. John Gother
