April 3, 2017 
Monday of the Fifth Week of Lent
Saint of the day
Saint Agape (d.304)
Saint Agape, along with her sisters Saint Chionia and Saint Irene, was accused of possessing sacred scriptural texts during the persecution of Emperor Diocletian. At the time, possessing these materials was a crime punishable by death. During their trial, the sisters refused to make a sacrifice to the pagan gods, and were martyred. Even though it would have been seemingly easy for Agape to momentarily push her faith aside to keep her life, she said, "I believe in the living God and will not by an evil action lose all the merits of my past life." She was wise enough to know that one small evil action can have enormous consequences.
Reflection
Use your imagination to place yourself in Saint Agape's situation. Imagine being asked to forsake your faith, just once, in order to be saved. Imagine facing the possibility of being martyred. What would you have done in this situation?
Prayer
Dear God, please help me to know the courage and faith required to become a martyr.
Liturgical season information
Lectionary: 251
Place in Year: Lent
Color of decorations and priest's vestments: Violet
Daily readings
Reading 1: Daniel 13:1-9, 15-17, 19-30, 33-62
Alternate Reading 1: Daniel 13:41c-62
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 23:1-3a, 3b-4, 5, 6
Verse Before the Gospel: Ezekiel 33:11
Gospel: John 8:1-11
View complete readings on USCCB.org
