Liturgical Calendar

Saint of the day

Saint Sergius the Martyr (d.303)

Saint Sergius was an officer in the Roman army under Emperor Maximian. He was well liked by the emperor until he admitted to being a Christian after he and his fellow officer, Bacchus, refused to enter a temple of Jupiter. In addition, they refused to sacrifice to the pagan gods. To humiliate Sergius and Bacchus, they were paraded through the streets in women's clothing and then sent to be scourged. Bacchus died during the scourging, but Sergius was tortured further and then beheaded for his faith. Saint Sergius the Martyr is the patron saint of Syria, where he was beheaded.

Reflection

It is very hard to do something that we know is right if it will get us in trouble with our friends. Saint Sergius the Martyr knew that admitting to being a Christian would ruin his friendship with the emperor, but he knew that it was the right thing to do. Do you do what you know is right even if your friends aren't doing it? Are you willing to stand up for your beliefs?

Prayer

Dear Lord, please help me to become stronger in my Christian faith. Give me the strength and courage to stand up for what is right no matter what my friends will think.