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Today on Doubletake: the first episode in a three-part series: The kidnapping of Kayla Mueller.In August of 2013 Carl and Marsha Mueller received a 10-second video in their email. It was of their daughter Kayla, who had disappeared 24 days earlier in Syria. She was thin and dressed in Islamic garb. “I need your help,” she said. “I've been here too long, and I've been sick.”The Islamic terror group ISIS had grabbed her, beginning an ordeal for the Muellers that, in a way, still isn't over.So today we have a story about courage, and fear, and faith despite hopeless circumstances. It's also about finding yourself in a position where you're forced to negotiate. For the highest stakes imaginable: the life of your daughter. With terrorists. With your own government. With yourself. And, ultimately, with God.Support WORLD News Group at wng.org/donateAdditional support comes from The Voice of the Martyrs, serving persecuted Christians for almost sixty years. Pastor Richard Wurmbrand was imprisoned a total of 14 years in Communist Romania for his faith in Christ. Upon his release, he and his wife, Sabina, founded The Voice of the Martyrs to help the families of imprisoned Christians in Communist nations and other countries where Christians are persecuted for their faith. Today, VOM works in more than 70 hostile areas and restricted nations. More information is available at vom.org/SaturdaySpecial
Rich Griffith, Chief Development Officer for Global Action, served as a pastor and played seven seasons in the NFL before the Lord led him to serve pastors and Christian leaders around the world, including many in restricted nations and hostile areas. Rich has had many exciting career highlights, but his favorite is watching these Christian leaders complete their training. "To me, the most incredible thing I've experienced is a graduation." Rich says, "The tears in their eyes… because they felt a calling of God." Rich shares his joy at being able to provide tools and knowledge to new pastors in places like India and Cuba and will share more about the curriculum and how the training is tailored to impact each individual culture. The church in these nations is growing, but there is a great need for more pastors to shepherd that growing flock. You'll also hear how Rich sensed God's call to work for Global Action and how the Lord challenged him on a trip to Cuba, where he saw how persecuted Christians trust the Lord despite their circumstances. One book that God used to challenge Rich was I Am N, a book about persecuted Christians facing Islamic extremists that was produced by The Voice of the Martyrs. Pray for the Lord to raise up more shepherds who will lead Christ's sheep, especially in restricted nations and hostile areas. The VOM App for your smartphone or tablet will help you pray daily for persecuted Christians in nations like North Korea, Nigeria, China, and Iran, as well as provide free access to e-books, audiobooks, video content, and feature films. Download the VOM App for your iOS or Android device today.
Pray Lauds, Morning Prayer from the Liturgy of the Hours, also known as the Divine Office, for Memorial of St. Maximillian Mary Kolbe, Priest and MartyrPsalm 63Canticle: Daniel 3Psalm 149Reading: 2 Corinthians 1Intercessions: You redeemed us by your blood.St. Helena Ministries is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit. Your donations may be tax-deductibleSupport us at: sthelenaministries.com/supportPresentation of the Liturgy of the Hours (Divine Office) from The Liturgy of the Hours (Four Volumes) © 1975, International Commission on English in the Liturgy Corporation. The texts of Biblical readings are reproduced from the New American Bible © 1975
The St. Paul Center's daily scripture reflections from the Mass for Thursday of the Nineteenth Week in Ordinary Time by Dr. Scott Hahn. Ordinary Weekday/ Pontian, Pope, Martyr, and Hippolytus, Priest, Martyr First Reading: Ezekiel 12: 1-12 Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 78: 56-57, 58-59, 61-62 Alleluia: Psalms 119: 135 Gospel: Matthew 18: 21 – 19: 1 Learn more about the Mass at www.stpaulcenter.com
He was the pagan jailkeeper who guarded St Laurence (see August 10); seeing his prisoner's holiness and the wonders wrought by him, Hippolytus was convinced of the truth of the Faith and became a Christian. When St Laurence baptized him, he was granted a vision of heaven and said 'I see innocent souls in great joy.' He took Laurence into his own home, and his entire household were baptized, nineteen in all. When St Laurence was martyred, Hippolytus retrieved his body by night and buried it. He was detected and brought before the Emperor Valerian on the third day after Laurence's death. Despite severe beatings he would not renounce his faith. The Emperor ordered that he be stripped and flayed but, standing naked before the emperor, Hippolytus said 'You have not stripped me, but have begun to clothe me.' Despite all torments, neither Hippolytus nor any of his household would deny Christ. All of his household were slain, one by one, before Hippolytus. Finally Hippolytus himself was bound behind a wild horse and dragged to death. Our Holy Mother the Empress Irene (Xenia in Monasticism) (12th c.) She was the pious wife of the Emperor John II Comnenus (reigned 1118-1143), but retired into monastic life. She founded the Monastery of the Pantokrator in Constantinople.
August 13th, 2026: Pope & Anti-Pope; Claretian Martyrs - Viva Cristo Rey; Bl John of La Verna; Sanctifying the Authorities; Ss Hippolytus & Cassian - A Patron of Teachers; The Transitus of St Maximilian Mary Kolbe
The St. Paul Center's daily scripture reflections from the Mass for Thursday of the Nineteenth Week in Ordinary Time by Dr. Scott Hahn. Ordinary Weekday/ Pontian, Pope, Martyr, and Hippolytus, Priest, Martyr First Reading: Ezekiel 12: 1-12 Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 78: 56-57, 58-59, 61-62 Alleluia: Psalms 119: 135 Gospel: Matthew 18: 21 – 19: 1 Learn more about the Mass at www.stpaulcenter.com
For 14 August 2026, Memorial of Saint Maximilian Kolbe, Priest, Martyr , based on Matthew 19:3-12, sent in from Rome, Italy. (Photo by Lawrence Lew OP of a relic of hairs from the saint's beard from the the Maximilian Kolbe centre in Lourdes)
31 And again going out of the coasts of Tyre, he came by Sidon to the sea of Galilee, through the midst of the coasts of Decapolis.Et iterum exiens de finibus Tyri, venit per Sidonem ad mare Galilaeae inter medios fines Decapoleos. 32 And they bring to him one deaf and dumb; and they besought him that he would lay his hand upon him.Et adducunt ei surdum, et mutum, et deprecabantur eum, ut imponat illi manum. 33 And taking him from the multitude apart, he put his fingers into his ears, and spitting, he touched his tongue:Et apprehendens eum de turba seorsum, misit digitos suos in auriculas ejus : et exspuens, tetigit linguam ejus : 34 And looking up to heaven, he groaned, and said to him: Ephpheta, which is, Be thou opened.et suscipiens in caelum, ingemuit, et ait illi : Ephphetha, quod est, Adaperire. 35 And immediately his ears were opened, and the string of his tongue was loosed, and he spoke right.Et statim apertae sunt aures ejus, et solutum est vinculum linguae ejus, et loquebatur recte. 36 And he charged them that they should tell no man. But the more he charged them, so much the more a great deal did they publish it.Et praecepit illis ne cui dicerent. Quanto autem eis praecipiebat, tanto magis plus praedicabant : 37 And so much the more did they wonder, saying: He hath done all things well; he hath made both the deaf to hear, and the dumb to speak.et eo amplius admirabantur, dicentes : Bene omnia fecit : et surdos fecit audire, et mutos loqui.Hyppolytus was a guardian of St Lawrence and baptised by him. He was tied by the legs to wild horses in 260 A.D.St Cassian was a schoolmaster at Imola. He was pierced to death by his pagan pupils in 320 A.D.
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So I've been with Sarah over 18 years. In that time we have watched probably hundreds of horror movies. We've both got a stomach for even some of the more “hardcore” films the like of High Tension and Martyrs. Heck – we watched A Serbian Film in theaters at Fantasia. But there was always one movie that was too horrific for her to ever consider watching. That film? Gremlins. Why? “Because they pop out of the toilet.” For years I have tried to tell her that first of all, that's Gremlins 2: The New Batch and that second of all: she's a grownup now and hard as that hit when she was a kid there is just no way that scene bothers her anymore. Well, it took 18 years but after listening to the “What Went Wrong” podcast episode of Gremlins she finally decided to watch it with me. Damn that movie is great. More unhinged puppets in films please. We also watched Backrooms but honestly there's so much more to say about Gremlins if I'm being honest. I also went to Osheaga and we talk about that a little but you can listen to a whole episode of the show I do with Sarah if you want to know more about all that. Anyways, over on Garbage Time Scott has discovered modern video games. He played through Red Dead Redemption and his eyes were opened. Video games are a lot different now. Even a game that is 13 years old is still drastically more involved and has better storytelling than the games he was playing circa 2001. Remember Scott, 2001 was 25 years ago. If you would like to show your support and head over to Patreon and subscribe at the 9ES Deluxe tier to listen to this and all past episodes of Garbage Time that would be appreciated. Credit Where Credit is Due Our intro song is a brand new jam cooked up by OKU-DA just for us, do yourself a favour and check out his SoundCloud). The post 9ES 369: Monetizing Mogwais appeared first on 9to5 (dot cc).
Pray the Office of Readings from the Liturgy of the Hours, also known as the Divine Office, for Memorial of St. Maximillian Mary Kolbe, Priest and MartyrPsalm 2Psalm 11Psalm 17Reading 1: 1 Peter 5Reading 2: From the Letters of Maximilian Mary KolbeSt. Helena Ministries is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit. Your donations may be tax-deductibleSupport us at: sthelenaministries.com/supportPresentation of the Liturgy of the Hours (Divine Office) from The Liturgy of the Hours (Four Volumes) © 1975, International Commission on English in the Liturgy Corporation. The texts of Biblical readings are reproduced from the New American Bible © 1975
So I've been with Sarah over 18 years. In that time we have watched probably hundreds of horror movies. We've both got a stomach for even some of the more “hardcore” films the like of High Tension and Martyrs. Heck[…]↓ Read the rest of this entry... The post 9ES 369: Monetizing Mogwais appeared first on 9to5 (dot cc).
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/matthew/19?3
These holy martyrs suffered victoriously in the year 305 (Prologue) or 288 (Great Horologion), during the reign of Diocletian, who visited Nicomedia to stir up a persecution of Christians there. Anicetas, one of the city governors, presented himself before the Emperor, boldly confessed his Christian faith, and denounced the worship of the idols. Anicetas was subjected to a series of cruelties: his tongue was cut out, but he miraculously continued to speak; he was thrown to a lion, but it refused to attack him; then he was savagely beaten with rods until his bones showed through his wounds. His nephew Photius, seeing his endurance of all these trials, ran forward, embraced his uncle, and declared to the Emperor that he too was a Christian. The Emperor ordered that he be beheaded immediately, but the executioner, raising his sword, gave himself such a wound that he died instead. After many tortures, the two were put in prison for three years, then brought out and cast into a fiery furnace, where they died, though their bodies were brought out of the flames intact. Saint Anicetas is counted as one of the Holy Unmercenaries.
Acts 7 is the longest chapter in the book of Acts filled with faith, bold obedience, and martyrdom. It is not just a recitation of church history for the nation of Israel and the Jewish people, but Stephen is also refuting the Jewish leaders' indictments against him. Stephen, filled with the Holy Spirit, delivers a fiery speech. He not only recounts the nations history, but he challenges the religious establishment ultimately ending in Stephen becoming the first christian martyr. You can connect with Amie on her website: https://rawandrealministries.com/ You can connect with me or order my books on my website here: https://debbiekitterman.com/ click on the store tab and choose the book(s) you would like to view under the book tab. OR on Amazon here using my affiliate links: Check out my Amazon Store front here:https://a.co/d/0fSFMjq0 D2h Podcast Books https://amzn.to/4wnk96D Podcast Equipment https://amzn.to/4u8PloC I even have other categories for my sourdough, chickens, my favorite things, and more…. check my entire storefront out here: https://a.co/d/0fSFMjq0
#10MinuteswithJesus ** Put yourself in the presence of God. Try talking to Him. ** 10 minutes are 10 minutes. Even if you can get distracted, reach the end. ** Be constant. The Holy Spirit acts "on low heat" and requires perseverance. 10-Minute audio to help you pray. Daily sparks to ignite prayer: a passage from the gospel, an idea, an anecdote and a priest who speaks with you and the Lord, inviting you to share your intimacy with God. Find your moment, consider you are in His presence and click play.
https://cdn.enduringword.com/audio/devotional/Devotional08112026.mp3 The post Living the Life of a Martyr – Acts 7:59-60 – August 11, 2026 appeared first on Enduring Word.
She was the daughter of Gavinius, a Christian priest in Rome, and the niece of Pope Gaius. The Emperor Diocletian's adopted son Maximian wished to marry Susanna, but she had no desire to marry any one, least of all a pagan. The patricians Claudia and Maxima were sent to Susanna by the Emperor to present Maximian's suit; but instead she turned both of them, and all their households, to the Faith. The enraged Emperor had Claudia, Maxima and their families executed, then had Susanna herself beheaded. The Emperor's wife, Serena, was a secret Christian, and took Susanna's body secretly and buried it. Soon after this Susanna's father Gavinius and her uncle Pope Gaius also met martyrdom.
August 11th, 2026: St Philomena, Virgin & Martyr; St Clare - Clear Vision of Holiness; St Philomena - The Wonderworker; St Clare, Virgin Extraordinaire; Ss Tiburtius & Susanna - Know Your Saints
Homily from the Mass offered Sunday, August 10th - 1st Reading: 2 Corinthians 9:6-10 - Gospel Reading: John 12:24-26- To support the podcast financially, click here: https://stpiuscda.org/online-giving
31 And again going out of the coasts of Tyre, he came by Sidon to the sea of Galilee, through the midst of the coasts of Decapolis.Et iterum exiens de finibus Tyri, venit per Sidonem ad mare Galilaeae inter medios fines Decapoleos. 32 And they bring to him one deaf and dumb; and they besought him that he would lay his hand upon him.Et adducunt ei surdum, et mutum, et deprecabantur eum, ut imponat illi manum. 33 And taking him from the multitude apart, he put his fingers into his ears, and spitting, he touched his tongue:Et apprehendens eum de turba seorsum, misit digitos suos in auriculas ejus : et exspuens, tetigit linguam ejus : 34 And looking up to heaven, he groaned, and said to him: Ephpheta, which is, Be thou opened.et suscipiens in caelum, ingemuit, et ait illi : Ephphetha, quod est, Adaperire. 35 And immediately his ears were opened, and the string of his tongue was loosed, and he spoke right.Et statim apertae sunt aures ejus, et solutum est vinculum linguae ejus, et loquebatur recte. 36 And he charged them that they should tell no man. But the more he charged them, so much the more a great deal did they publish it.Et praecepit illis ne cui dicerent. Quanto autem eis praecipiebat, tanto magis plus praedicabant : 37 And so much the more did they wonder, saying: He hath done all things well; he hath made both the deaf to hear, and the dumb to speak.et eo amplius admirabantur, dicentes : Bene omnia fecit : et surdos fecit audire, et mutos loqui.St Tiburtius was the son of the prefect of Rome and he was a Roman deacon. He was beheaded after suffering many cruel torments in 286 A.D.St Susanna was a holy virgin of high lineage. She refused to marry the son of Diocletian. She was beheaded after grievous torments in 295 A.D.
Trinity Anglican Seminary is built on the same daily prayer rhythms you practice every time you hit play. Morning Prayer. Evening Prayer. Weekly Eucharist. Chapel and classroom aren't two separate worlds at Trinity. Whether you're pursuing a degree or exploring a certificate in Anglican studies, Trinity is a place to be formed in community, through study and prayer. Learn more at tas.edu/dailyoffice.Morning Prayer for Monday, August 10, 2026 (Proper 14; Laurence, Deacon and Martyr at Rome, 258).Psalm and Scripture readings (60-day Psalter):Psalms 99-1011 Samuel 29Romans 10Click here to support The Daily Office Podcast with a one-time gift or a recurring donation.Click here to access the text for the Daily Office at DailyOffice2019.com.
Trinity Anglican Seminary is built on the same daily prayer rhythms you practice every time you hit play. Morning Prayer. Evening Prayer. Weekly Eucharist. Chapel and classroom aren't two separate worlds at Trinity. Whether you're pursuing a degree or exploring a certificate in Anglican studies, Trinity is a place to be formed in community, through study and prayer. Learn more at tas.edu/dailyoffice.Evening Prayer for Monday, August 10, 2026 (Proper 14; Laurence, Deacon and Martyr at Rome, 258).Psalm and Scripture readings (60-day Psalter):Psalm 102Hosea 8John 11:1-44Click here to support The Daily Office Podcast with a one-time gift or a recurring donation.Click here to access the text for the Daily Office at DailyOffice2019.com.
Today’s Topics: 1, 2, 3, 4) William discusses Saint Lawrence, Deacon and Martyr of the Early Church and how all of the martyrs were totally Catholic in what they believed
Fr. Patrick preached this homily on August 10, 2026. The readings are from 2 Corinthians 9:6-10, Psalm 112:1-2, 5-6, 7-8, 9, John 12:24-26 (Feast of Saint Lawrence, Deacon and Martyr). Connect with us! Website: https://slakingthirsts.com/ YouTube: www.youtube.com/@SlakingThirsts Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/slakingthirsts/
https://cdn.enduringword.com/audio/devotional/Devotional08102026.mp3 The post The First Martyr – Acts 7:57-58 – August 10, 2026 appeared first on Enduring Word.
"This Saint, who was born in Spain, was the Archdeacon of the Church of Rome, caring for the sacred vessels of the Church and distributing money to the needy. About the year 257, a harsh persecution was raised up against the Christians by Valerian. Pope Sixtus, who was from Athens, was commanded to worship the idols, and refused; before his martyrdom by beheading, he committed to Laurence all the sacred vessels of the Church. When Laurence was arrested and brought before the Prefect, he was questioned concerning the treasures of the Church; he asked for three days' time to prepare them. He then proceeded to gather all the poor and needy, and presented them to the Prefect and said, "Behold the treasures of the Church." The Prefect became enraged at this and gave command that Laurence be racked, then scourged with scorpions (a whip furnished with sharp iron points — compare II Chron. 10:11), then stretched out on a red-hot iron grill. But the courageous athlete of Christ endured without groaning. After he had been burned on one side, he said, "My body is done on one side; turn me over on the other." And when this had taken place, the Martyr said to the tyrants, "My flesh is now well done, you may taste of it." And when he had said this, and had prayed for his slayers in imitation of Christ, he gave up his spirit on August 10, 258." (Great Horologion). His icon shows him stretched on the grill.
Pastoral Reflections Finding God In Ourselves by Msgr. Don Fischer
Original Post Date: August 10, 2024 === Gospel John 12:24-26 Jesus said to his disciples: “Amen, amen, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains just a grain of wheat; but if it dies, it produces much fruit. Whoever loves his life loses it, and whoever hates his life in this world will preserve it for eternal life. Whoever serves me must follow me, and where I am, there also will my servant be. The Father will honor whoever serves me.” Reflection Jesus is trying to teach his disciples that there is a process that he wants them to understand, is the Kingdom of God. We die to old ways. We die to illusions. We die to half truths. Whenever we die to something, something new is born. Something becomes clearer or something becomes more, more in touch with the truth. Closing Prayer Let us pray. Father, It's a mistake for us to feel that when we are exposed as being someone who doesn't understand or doesn't see the truth, we feel that we've failed. It is a process that we have to embrace. Help us never to lose enthusiasm for our growth as God exposes to us the errors that we get caught up in. And we ask this in Jesus' name, Amen. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Friends of the Rosary,The Catholic Church celebrates today, August 10, the feast of Saint Lawrence (d. 258), a deacon of the Church in Rome, known for serving the poor and for giving his life as a heroic martyr.He was arrested under Emperor Valerian in 258, laid upon a gridiron, and slowly roasted to death. In the midst of excruciating pain, he prayed: "Lord Jesus Christ, God from God, have mercy on Your servant!"At a certain point, the soldier Romanus exclaimed: "I see before you an incomparably beautiful youth. Hasten and baptize me." He had observed how an angel dried the wounds of Lawrence with a linen cloth during his passion.Lawrence died praying for the conversion of the city of Rome, in the hope that from it the faith of Christ might spread throughout the world. From that time, idolatry began to decline in Rome.This young deacon and heroic martyr is counted among the saints most highly venerated by the ancient Roman Church. Next to the feast of Sts. Peter and Paul, that of St. Lawrence ranked highest in the Roman sanctoral cycle.During the persecution of Emperor Valerian (253-260), Sixtus II and his four deacons were martyred.Here I am, Lord; I come to do your will.Please give us the grace to respond with joy!+ Mikel Amigot w/ María Blanca | RosaryNetwork.com, New YorkEnhance your faith with the new Holy Rosary University app:Apple iOS | New! Android Google Play• August 10, 2026, Today's Rosary on YouTube | Daily broadcast at 7:30 pm ET
Join Father Kevin Drew as he preaches on this Feast of Saint Lawrence, Deacon and Martyr. Today's readings First Reading: 2 Corinthians 9:6-10 Psalm: Psalm 112:1-2, 5-6, 7-8, 9 Gospel: John 12:24-26 Catholic Radio Network
You redeemed us by your blood.
Tique continues our Conversation Series looking at Christian martyrs and the theology supporting their faith.
Lawrence was a deacon in the Church of Rome during the third century. As a deacon, he was entrusted with serving the poor and caring for the material resources of the Church.
24 Amen, amen I say to you, unless the grain of wheat falling into the ground die,Amen, amen dico vobis, nisi granum frumenti cadens in terram, mortuum fuerit, 25 Itself remaineth alone. But if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit. He that loveth his life shall lose it; and he that hateth his life in this world, keepeth it unto life eternal.ipsum solum manet : si autem mortuum fuerit, multum fructum affert. Qui amat animam suam, perdet eam; et qui odit animam suam in hoc mundo, in vitam aeternam custodit eam. 26 If any man minister to me, let him follow me; and where I am, there also shall my minister be. If any man minister to me, him will my Father honour.Si quis mihi ministrat, me sequatur, et ubi sum ego, illic et minister meus erit. Si quis mihi ministraverit, honorificabit eum Pater meus.St Lawrence was a deacon, Pope and Martyr. The prefect of Rome arrested him. He distributed the possessions of the Church to the poor to save them from confiscation. He was roasted to death on a gridiron in 258, A.D.
Feast of Saint Lawrence, Deacon and MartyrJohn 12:24-26"Whoever loves his life loses it,and whoever hates his life in this worldwill preserve it for eternal life.Whoever serves me must follow me,and where I am, there also will my servant be.The Father will honor whoever serves me.”
Pray Compline, Night Prayer from the Liturgy of the Hours, also known as the Divine Office, for Feast of St. Lawrence, Deacon and MartyrNight holds no terrors for me sleeping under God's wings.St. Helena Ministries is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit. Your donations may be tax-deductibleSupport us at: sthelenaministries.com/supportPresentation of the Liturgy of the Hours (Divine Office) from The Liturgy of the Hours (Four Volumes) © 1975, International Commission on English in the Liturgy Corporation. The texts of Biblical readings are reproduced from the New American Bible © 1975
Pray Vespers, Evening Prayer from the Liturgy of the Hours, also known as the Divine Office, for Feast of St. Lawrence, Deacon and MartyrPsalm 116Canticle: Revelation 4Reading: 1 Peter 4Intercessions: We praise you, O Lord.St. Helena Ministries is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit. Your donations may be tax-deductibleSupport us at: sthelenaministries.com/supportPresentation of the Liturgy of the Hours (Divine Office) from The Liturgy of the Hours (Four Volumes) © 1975, International Commission on English in the Liturgy Corporation. The texts of Biblical readings are reproduced from the New American Bible © 1975
Pray Lauds, Morning Prayer from the Liturgy of the Hours, also known as the Divine Office, for Feast of St. Lawrence, Deacon and MartyrPsalm 63Canticle: Daniel 3Psalm 149Reading: 2 Corinthians 1Intercessions: You redeemed us by your blood.St. Helena Ministries is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit. Your donations may be tax-deductibleSupport us at: sthelenaministries.com/supportPresentation of the Liturgy of the Hours (Divine Office) from The Liturgy of the Hours (Four Volumes) © 1975, International Commission on English in the Liturgy Corporation. The texts of Biblical readings are reproduced from the New American Bible © 1975
Read OnlineProducing Much FruitJesus said to his disciples: “Amen, amen, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains just a grain of wheat; but if it dies, it produces much fruit. Whoever loves his life loses it, and whoever hates his life in this world will preserve it for eternal life. Whoever serves me must follow me, and where I am, there also will my servant be. The Father will honor whoever serves me.” John 12:24–26Saint Lawrence, whom we honor today, has been highly revered by the Church since the time of his martyrdom in the mid-third century, at around the age of thirty-three—the same age at which our Lord laid down His life. Lawrence is believed to have been one of the seven deacons of Rome, likely serving as archdeacon. He was entrusted with the distribution of the Church's goods to the poor and is said to have shared a close friendship with Pope Sixtus II.When Emperor Valerian began persecuting the Church in 257, he issued an edict ordering the execution of bishops, priests, and deacons. On August 6, 258, Pope Sixtus and several deacons were martyred. According to Saint Ambrose, Lawrence rejoiced over their heroic deaths and grieved because he had not died alongside his spiritual father.Soon afterward, Lawrence was arrested and commanded to surrender the Church's treasures. Instead, he distributed the goods to the poor and, when brought before the prefect, presented the poor themselves as the true treasures of the Church. Enraged by this bold act, the prefect sentenced Lawrence to death by roasting on a gridiron. Tradition holds that Lawrence, with holy defiance, declared as he burned, “The flesh is roasted, turn it and eat.”Saint Lawrence, like all martyrs, accomplished more for the Church in death than he could have in life. He embodies Jesus' solemn words in today's Gospel: “Unless a grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains just a grain of wheat; but if it dies, it produces much fruit.” It may be said that every martyr dies twice: first, through the total surrender of self in loving service and detachment from the world; and second, through physical martyrdom. To “hate” one's life in this world means to live with total abandonment to God's will, free from self-centered pursuits. Living in this way prepared Lawrence for his final sacrifice.The Church honors those who embraced physical martyrdom because they become living icons of Christ's sacrificial love. They are visible expressions of the Gospel, and their witness bears tremendous spiritual fruit.Consider, for example, what might have happened had Lawrence fled persecution to preserve his life. Those who loved him may have understood and even encouraged such a choice. He could have continued serving the poor and died in obscurity. But he did not. Today, we remember him not simply because of his courage, but because God chose to make him an enduring icon of the Gospel for generations. Just as Christ's brutal death became the greatest act of love in history, so too does Lawrence's participation in that love perpetuate Christ's sacrifice—one in which we, too, are called to share.Reflect today on the example of Saint Lawrence and the deep meaning of Jesus' words. Are you also willing to become that grain of wheat, falling to the ground, dying to self, and bearing fruit for the Kingdom of God? What attachments, fears, or self-centered desires do you still cling to that deter you from the spiritual witness of martyrdom? God is calling us to a deeper detachment from this world so that we may live more fully for Him. Though physical martyrdom may not be asked of you, the spiritual martyrdom of daily self-giving is a path all are called to walk. Imitate Saint Lawrence by embracing that path with courage, joy, and total trust in God's providence, so that your life, too, may produce much fruit for eternity.My sacrificial Lord, You filled Saint Lawrence with such fervent love that he counted death as gain, trusting in the abundant fruit his martyrdom would yield. Grant me that same courage and willing spirit, that I may die to self each day and live only for You. May my life bear rich and lasting fruit for the coming of Your Kingdom. Jesus, I trust in You. Image: Saint Lawrence of Rome, by Alessandro AgolantiSource: Free RSS feed from catholic-daily-reflections.com — Copyright © 2026 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. This content is provided solely for personal, non-commercial use. Redistribution, republication, or commercial use — including use within apps with advertising — is strictly prohibited without written permission.
In this sermon, Pastor Scott Worthington preached from Acts 7:54–60, the story of Stephen's martyrdom. There is a version of Christianity being sold that says following Jesus means everything will go well for you. But the truth is this: Follow Jesus, and you get Jesus, come what may. Stephen was a faithful follower of Jesus who was martyred for speaking the truth of God's Word. His story reminds us that we too will face hardship as we follow Jesus. But in whatever we're facing, we can take comfort in knowing that we are not alone. God is with us. Check out this sermon to learn more!
For 10 August 2026, The Feast of Saint Laurence, Deacon, Martyr, based on 2 Corinthians 9:6-10, sent in from St. Louis, Missouri, USA.
The St. Paul Center's daily scripture reflections from the Mass for Friday of the Eighteenth Week in Ordinary Time by Dr. John Bergsma. Ordinary Weekday/ Sixtus II, Pope, Martyr, and Companions, Martyrs/ Cajetan, Priest First Reading: Nahum 2: 1, 3; 3: 1-3, 6-7 Responsorial Psalm: Deuteronomy 32: 35cd-36ab, 39abcd, 41 Alleluia: Matthew 5: 10 Gospel: Matthew 16: 24-28 Learn more about the Mass at www.stpaulcenter.com To register for the St. Paul Center's 25th Anniversary Gala Dinner, please visit stpaulcenter.com/gala Encounter Christ in Scripture and share Him with others. Join us at stpaulcenter.com/memberships
Today’s Topics: Bishop Strickland joins Terry to discuss his latest letter: Lord, Prepare Me to Be a Sanctuary 1, 2, 3, 4) Gospel –Matthew 16:24-28 – Jesus said to His disciples, “Whoever wishes to come after Me must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow Me. For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it. What profit would there be for one to gain the whole world and forfeit his life? Or what can one give in exchange for his life? For the Son of Man will come with His angels in His Father's glory, and then He will repay each according to his conduct. Amen, I say to you, there are some standing here who will not taste death until they see the Son of Man coming in His Kingdom.” Memorial of Saint Cajetan, Priest Memorial of Saint Sixtus II, Pope and Martyr, and his Companions, Martyrs Saints Cajetan, Sixtus, and Companions, pray for us! Bishop Sheen quote of the day
"Born a pagan in Persia in the time of the Emperor Constantine, he came to know the Christian faith as a young man, forsook his paganism and received baptism. He was so enchanted with the true Faith that he left all worldly things and became a monk in a monastery near the town of Nisibis. He lived among the brethren for some time, then withdrew into silence, going to Archimandrite Urbel, of whom it is said that, for sixty years, he never ate anything cooked. Urbel made him a deacon, but, when he wanted to make him a priest, Dometius fled to a distant mountain and settled in a cave there. He attained such perfection through fasting, prayer, vigils and meditation that he was able to heal the sick. When Julian the Apostate came to that place, he heard of Dometius and sent men to wall him up alive in the came, with two of his disciples. Thus died this saint of God, in 363, and went to the Kingdom of God." (Prologue). The Great Horologion says that Dometius and his disciples were stoned to death.
Friends of the Rosary,Today, memorials of Saint Cajetan, Priest, and Saint Sixtus II, Pope and Martyr, and his Companion Martyrs, the Lord reveals to us powerful truths (Matthew 16:24-28):“Whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself,take up his cross, and follow me.For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it,but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.What profit would there be for one to gain the whole worldand forfeit his life?Or what can one give in exchange for his life?For the Son of Man will come with his angels in his Father's glory,and then he will repay each according to his conduct.”In this passage, Jesus makes the lesson plain: following Him is not just admiring Him, believing correct things about Him, or enjoying moments of spiritual light. It means taking up the cross with Him.“Deny yourself” means dethroning the false self: pride, comfort, control, resentment, vanity, the need to win, the need to be seen.That line, “Whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it,” contradicts the extended idea, even in Christianity, that life is not about preserving comfort at all costs. It is about giving yourself away in love, obedience, humility, and fidelity. The paradox is that this surrender does not destroy us. It restores us.Today, once again, we pray this Holy Rosary from Las Vegas, Nevada.Ave Maria!Come, Holy Spirit, come!To Jesus through Mary!Here I am, Lord; I come to do your will.Please give us the grace to respond with joy!+ Mikel Amigot w/ María Blanca | RosaryNetwork.com, New YorkEnhance your faith with the new Holy Rosary University app:Apple iOS | New! Android Google Play• August 8, 2026, Today's Rosary on YouTube | Daily broadcast at 7:30 pm ET
The St. Paul Center's daily scripture reflections from the Mass for Friday of the Eighteenth Week in Ordinary Time by Dr. John Bergsma. Ordinary Weekday/ Sixtus II, Pope, Martyr, and Companions, Martyrs/ Cajetan, Priest First Reading: Nahum 2: 1, 3; 3: 1-3, 6-7 Responsorial Psalm: Deuteronomy 32: 35cd-36ab, 39abcd, 41 Alleluia: Matthew 5: 10 Gospel: Matthew 16: 24-28 Learn more about the Mass at www.stpaulcenter.com To register for the St. Paul Center's 25th Anniversary Gala Dinner, please visit stpaulcenter.com/gala Encounter Christ in Scripture and share Him with others. Join us at stpaulcenter.com/memberships
Trinity Anglican Seminary is built on the same daily prayer rhythms you practice every time you hit play. Morning Prayer. Evening Prayer. Weekly Eucharist. Chapel and classroom aren't two separate worlds at Trinity. Whether you're pursuing a degree or exploring a certificate in Anglican studies, Trinity is a place to be formed in community, through study and prayer. Learn more at tas.edu/dailyoffice.Morning Prayer for Wednesday, August 5, 2026 (Proper 13; Oswald, King of Northumbria and Martyr, 642).Psalm and Scripture readings (60-day Psalter):Psalm 89:1-181 Samuel 25:1-19, 23-25, 32-42Romans 6Click here to support The Daily Office Podcast with a one-time gift or a recurring donation.Click here to access the text for the Daily Office at DailyOffice2019.com.
Trinity Anglican Seminary is built on the same daily prayer rhythms you practice every time you hit play. Morning Prayer. Evening Prayer. Weekly Eucharist. Chapel and classroom aren't two separate worlds at Trinity. Whether you're pursuing a degree or exploring a certificate in Anglican studies, Trinity is a place to be formed in community, through study and prayer. Learn more at tas.edu/dailyoffice.Evening Prayer for Wednesday, August 5, 2026 (Eve of The Transfiguration of Our Lord Jesus Christ; Proper 13; Oswald, King of Northumbria and Martyr, 642).Psalm and Scripture readings (60-day Psalter):Psalm 89:19-52Hosea 3John 7:53-8:30Click here to support The Daily Office Podcast with a one-time gift or a recurring donation.Click here to access the text for the Daily Office at DailyOffice2019.com.
Want to know what kind of reader you are? TAKE OUR QUIZ: https://www.currentlyreadingpodcast.com/quiz We are back for a brand new season of Currently Reading. In this first episode, Kaytee and Meredith discuss their current reads, discuss what they did on their extended summer breaks, and bring a few fun bits before they go. Show notes are time-stamped below for your convenience. Read the transcript of the episode (this link only works on the main site). 0:00 Welcome to Currently Reading 4:20 Bookish Moments of the Week 7:54 Current Reads 8:15 Bloom by Robbie Couch (Kaytee) https://bookshop.org/a/79394/9781668093559 13:25 Crescent City: House of Earth and Blood by Sarah J. Maas (Meredith) https://bookshop.org/a/79394/9781635577020 23:27 Martyr by Kaveh Akbar (Kaytee) https://bookshop.org/a/79394/9780593685778 28:22 Buyer Beware by Catherine Ryan Howard (Meredith) https://bookshop.org/a/79394/9781668075111 32:57 Ravensong by T.J. Klune (Kaytee) https://bookshop.org/a/79394/9781250890368 38:10 The Other by Annie Neugebauer (Meredith) https://bookshop.org/a/79394/9798897320240 44:21 Deep Dive: What We Did Over Our Summer Break 57:30 Before We Go 1:01:03 Wrap-Up #books #reading #currentlyreading #podcast #currentreads ❤️ Support Us: Become a Bookish Friend on Patreon | https://patreon.com/currentlyreadingpodcast Grab Some Merch on Zazzle | http://www.zazzle.com/store/currentlyreading Shop Bookshop dot org | https://bookshop.org/shop/currentlyreading Bookish Friends Receive: The Indie Press List with a curated list of five books hand sold by the indie of the month. August's IPL is a special murderful edition brought to you by Fabled Bookshop in Waco, TX. Love and Chili Peppers with Kaytee and Rebekah - romance lovers get their due with this special episode focused entirely on the best selling genre fiction in the business All Things Murderful with Meredith and Elizabeth - special content for the scary-lovers, brought to you with the behind-the-scenes insights of an independent bookseller From the Editor's Desk with Kaytee and Bunmi Ishola - a quarterly peek behind the curtain at the publishing industry The Bookish Friends Facebook Group - where you can build community with bookish friends from around the globe as well as our hosts Connect With Us: The Show: Instagram | https://instagram.com/currentlyreadingpodcast Website | https://currentlyreadingpodcast.com/ Email | hello@currentlyreadingpodcast.com Substack | https://currentlyreadingpodcast.substack.com/ Youtube | https://www.youtube.com/@currentlyreadingpodcast Threads | https://www.threads.net/@currentlyreadingpodcast The Hosts and Regulars: Meredith | https://instagram.com/meredithmondayschwartz Kaytee | https://instagram.com/notesonbookmarks Mary | https://instagram.com/maryreadsandsips Roxanna | https://instagram.com/roxannathereader Elizabeth | https://instagram.com/wacoreads Production and Editing: Megan Phouthavong Evans | https://instagram.com/mostofmegansreads