Jun 2 – Memorial for Sts Marcellinus & Peter
Saints Marcellinus and Peter (sometimes called Petrus Exorcista – Peter the Exorcist; Italian: Marcellino e Pietro) are venerated within the Catholic Church as martyrs who were beheaded. Hagiographies place them in 4th century Rome. They are generally represented as men in middle age, with tonsures and palms of martyrdom; sometimes they hold a crown each.
– Wikipedia
Acts 19:1-8
Jn 16:29-33
“…when you will be scattered, each going his own way and leaving me alone.”
The disciples acknowledge Jesus’ authority and power. They recognize the simplicity in which He speaks and acknowledge that Jesus knows all things, before even asking. This clearly demonstrates a deeper faith.
Yet Jesus does not dismiss their growing faith; while cautioning them that their feelings of faith and assurance may be tested – hinting of them abandoning him in his time of trial.
I have always wondered what it would be like to deal with someone whom you know is going to hurt, or betray, you. One would think that the initial reaction would be to be guarded and refrain from getting too close to that person. I guess it is our mortal manner in guarding our hearts from the pain of hurt and betrayal.
The teen walks into his first non-platonic relationship giving it all. Usually no holds barred. I believe that’s the reason why the teen feels such intense pain and hurt when things do not go as he or she expected it to go. More often than not, the next non-platonic relationship is embarked upon with more measure, to guard the heart from pain.
I used to feel I was one step more gracious than this. I would start off each new friendship or relationship, according the other person 100%. Percentages would get chipped off if I began noting instances of questionable behaviour, the inability to trust, or just reactions or responses that I would be uncomfortable with. This was my way of protecting my heart and my feelings when, and if, an eventual betrayal of sorts took place.
My son L, turns 3 in August. He has begun ‘negotiating’ with me on basically everything. I am told that in courses that teach one how to negotiate with terrorists, the follow up course — only after finishing the first — is how to negotiate with toddlers.
L often comes over to me with the jar of pineapple tarts that I always have in the dining room and raises two fingers and asks, “Just one tart, Daddy….only one”. We all know that he will next to never stop at one tart. It will usually be 2 or 3, before I try my best to distract him from the jar and secretly pop 2 into my mouth!
Last Sunday, L had finished his Mandarin lessons at Berries Woodleigh and we were walking around, while waiting for his older sister to finish her classes. As usual, we reach the doughnut shop and naturally, L wants a doughnut. I kneel and engage him. We shake hands as we agree that he will only have the doughnut 2 hours later, after he has returned home and had his dinner.
As I am paying for L’s doughnut and the one he has decided to purchase for his sister, the cashier asks me if L will really keep his word and have the doughnut much later. I chuckle and respond that the negotiations to eat it will begin probably 2 minutes after we walk away, at best in the car after we have picked up his sister from class.
This got me thinking. What changed? What made me still give into L, knowing that he would not honour his word (and handshake) with me? How would I react as L grew up and became a challenging teenager? Would I still be able to be patient and accommodate him, despite knowing that he might not always honour his commitments to me? Wow, lots of questions as I drove home and L and his sister ate their doughnuts in the car on the way home – me silently praying that they will have a decent dinner.
I guess the conclusion I came to was that Jesus loves us with the unconditional love beyond that expected of any earthly father.
This Gospel passage is a message of hope and encouragement for believers. It reminds them that while they may experience tribulation and persecution, Jesus has already overcome the world, and they can take heart, knowing that their faith will ultimately prevail. That Jesus has already prepared for us to fail Him, time and again; but yet His constant love will never fail.
(Today’s OXYGEN by Gerard Francis)
Prayer: We pray for those who have become hard of heart and bitter, because of life’s experiences. May the love of Our Heavenly Father and those around them, soften their hearts and give them peace.
Thanksgiving: We give thanks for the gift of an ever-loving Heavenly Father.
OXYGEN 
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