Hope

Today's Readings:
Acts 5:17-26
Ps 34:2-9
Jn 3:16-21

"For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through him." - We hear these words in our Gospel this morning and they should continue to fill us with hope. This same hope filled the apostles so that they could preach the Gospel without fear from those who wished them harm. At the night of our Lord's passion, one betrayed him, one denied him, and the rest of them ran away. Now filled with the Holy Spirit, they boldly proclaim Jesus, even while facing persecution. Today let us ask the Holy Spirit to fill our lives so we too can boldly proclaim our faith to all we meet. Have a great day and God Bless.
Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful and enkindle in them the fire of your love. Send forth your Spirit and they shall be created and you shall renew the face of the earth. O God, who has instructed the hearts of your faithful by the light of the Holy Spirit, grant that by the same Holy Spirit we may have a right judgment in all things and evermore rejoice in his consolations. Through Christ Our Lord, Amen

Saint of the Day - St. Stoer & St. Caius
St. Soter was pope long ago in the times of the Roman emperors. He was a real father to all Christians. He gave much help to those who were poor. He took special care of those who had been condemned to work in dangerous mines. They were sent there because they would not give up their faith in Jesus. These brave Christians were hungry all the time. They were allowed only a little rest. Other Christians were chained in prisons. Good Pope Soter did everything he possibly could to comfort and help them. St. Soter also helped Christians who were far away from Rome. This holy pope was a great preacher. All the Christians loved to listen to him explain our religion. He spoke with such love. He inspired them with the courage to die for Jesus rather than sacrifice to false gods. St. Soter himself gave his life for Jesus in the year 174 after having been pope for ten years. St. Caius was pope about one hundred years later. He, too, lived in times of persecution. This pope did all he could to prepare people to keep the faith at any sacrifice. To be of more help to his people, he lived eight years in underground rooms, called catacombs. These were cemeteries where the Christians often met in secret to pray and receive the sacraments. This was their hiding place from the cruel pagan soldiers. The Christians knew they would be killed if they were caught. St. Caius was pope for twelve years. Then he, too, was martyred. He died in the year 296.
Reflection: Let us pray that the Lord may give strength and courage to those who are persecuted throughout the world because they are Christians.

Saint information comes from: http://www.holyspiritinteractive.net/dailysaint/april/0422.asp