Re-birthday & Brother

I am grateful to all those who remembered me, prayed for me, sent cards or others gifts for my birthday a couple weeks ago. Really, it’s my mom who should get most of the credit for what happened that day. For a long time now, I’ve tried to make more of a point to observe and celebrate the anniversary of my Baptism, my Re-birthday as a child of God. All the more so after 2015, when my Ordination to the Priesthood happened to fall on the same day. Monday of this week, June 26, will mark the completion of 8 years of priesthood for me and 35 years as a member of God’s Catholic Church.

June 26 is also the Feast Day of Saints John and Paul, early martyrs mentioned in the Roman Canon, between “Lawrence, Chrysogonus,” and “Cosmas and Damian.” John and Paul were faithful and trustworthy servants of Emperor Constantine’s daughter, Constantia. As Christians, they were often engaged in the works of mercy, and when Constantia died and left them sizable properties, they distributed these also to the poor. When Julian became emperor, knowing their reputation as valuable servants, he even offered them a promotion. Instead of serving in the household of an emperor’s daughter, they would serve the new emperor directly.

Only one catch. This new emperor, known as Julian the Apostate (an apostate is one who completely renounces the true Faith) would require John and Paul to offer sacrifice to Jupiter (Zeus) and renounce their Christian faith. Both refused and were beheaded on June 26. The cowardly emperor had the executions carried out inside someone’s home, so as not to draw attention to the deaths of servants so well-beloved by the poor and by all who knew them. Through their intercession, God grant us always to place our love for God and for “the least brothers” of Christ above all concern for career, reputation, or material wealth.

A while back I had asked for prayers for my brother Damian who was in rough shape for quite a while due to complications with his gallbladder and pancreas. During this past week, he finally returned to his own home, continuing on some insulin only. Praise God, and pray that he continues to improve and get the exercise he needs. Thank you for your prayers.