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Saint Sebastian, martyr
Optional Memorial
January 20th


Benozzo Gozzoli
Martyrdom of St. Sebastian
1465 -- Tempera on Panel
Collegiate Church, San Gimignano

Saint Sebastian, a native of Milan, was an officer in Diocletian's imperial guard. He converted to Christianity whereupon he suffered martyrdom by order of the emperor.

Source: Daily Roman Missal, Edited by Rev. James Socías, Midwest Theological Forum, Chicago, Illinois ©2003

 

Collect:
Lord,
fill us with that spirit of courage
which gave Your martyr Sebastian
strength to offer his life in faithful witness.
Help us to learn from him to cherish Your law
and obey You rather than men.
We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son,
who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever. +Amen.

First Reading: 1 Peter 3:14-17
But even if you do suffer for righteousness' sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled, but in your hearts reverence Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to make a defense to any one who calls you to account for the hope that is in you, yet do it with gentleness and reverence; and keep your conscience clear, so that, when you are abused, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame. For it is better to suffer for doing right, if that should be God's will, than for doing wrong.

Gospel Reading: Matthew 10:28-35
And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul; rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell. Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? And not one of them will fall to the ground without your Father's will. But even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not, therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows. So every one who acknowledges me before men, I also will acknowledge before My Father who is in heaven; but whoever denies Me before men, I also will deny before My Father who is in heaven.

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