Subj : =?UTF-8?Q?=C2 June_30=3A_The_First_Martyrs_of_Rome?= To : All From : rich Date : Tue Jun 29 2021 10:28:33 From: rich =C2 June 30: The First Martyrs of Rome =C2 (died 64-68) Today we celebrate the feast of the First Martyrs of Rome brave and courageous Christians who suffered for their faith. Following the Ascension of Christ, the disciples had preached the Gospel, spreading throughout the region. Some, as we have read, settled in Rome, where they continued to convert and baptize in the name of Jesus. This was most unsettling to the Emperor, as it led to conflict between the majority of Rome's citizens--Jews--and the new Christians. In approximately 49 A.D., the historian Suetonius recorded that Christians were expelled from Rome by the Emperor Claudius, due to disturbances that he attributed to Christ. However, it appears likely that after the Emperor's death, the Christian citizens of Rome returned, only to be persecuted in a much crueler and vindictive manner by Emperor Nero. In July of 64 a large fire broke out in Rome, destroying nearly half of the city. The fire was blamed on the Emperor, who is said to have wanted to enlarge his palace. Nero quickly blamed the Christians, who he accused of =E2=80=9Chatred of the human race=E2=80=9D and likened to mod= ern-day terrorists. As a result, public outcry was minimal when Nero ordered thousands to be put to death-- some were covered with the skins of animals and thrown to wild dogs to be torn apart; others were crucified and at sunset were covered in oil and used as human torches to light the path of the Emperor's chariot. Saints Peter and Paul w= ere among those martyred. Needless to say, eventually the good people of Rome took offense to Nero's rampant persecution of Christians, and following a revolt by the military, he took his own life in 68 A.D. The Roman historian Tacitus tells the story of the first Martyrs of Rome: "Yet no human effort, no princely largess nor offerings to the gods could make that infamous rumor disappear that Nero had somehow ordered the fire. Therefore, in order to abolish that rumor, Nero falsely accused and executed with the most exquisite punishments those people called Christians, who were infamous for their abominations. The originator of the name, Christ, was executed as a criminal by the procurator Pontius Pilate during the reign of Tiberius; and though repressed, this destructive superstition erupted again, not only through Judea, which was the origin of this evil, but also through the city of Rome, to which all that is horrible and shameful floods together and is celebrated. Therefore, first those were seized who admitted their faith, and then, using the information they provided, a vast multitude were convicted, not so much for the crime of burning the city, but for hatred of the human race. And perishing they were additionally made into sports: they were killed by dogs by having the hides of beasts attached to them, or they were nailed to crosses or set aflame, and, when the daylight passed away, they were used as nighttime lamps. Nero gave his own gardens for this spectacle and performed a Circus game, in the habit of a charioteer mixing with the plebs or driving about the racecourse. Even though they were clearly guilty and merited being made the most recent example of the consequences of crime, people began to pity these sufferers, because they were consumed not for the public good but on account of the fierceness of one man." =C2 by Jacob Saint Quote: If you wish to arrive speedily at the summit of perfection, animate yourself to the true love of shame, insults, and calumny. --St. Ignatius Bible Quote: And then shall many be scandalized: and shall betray one another: and shall hate one another. And many false prophets shall rise, and shall seduce many. And because iniquity hath abounded, the charity of many shall grow cold.=C2 But he that shall persevere to the end, he shall be saved.=C2 (Matt 24:10-13) <><><><> Aspirations Omnipotence of the Father, help my frailty, and rescue me from the depths of misery. Wisdom of the Son, direct all my thoughts, words, and actions. Love of the Holy Spirit, be the source of all the operations of my soul, so that they may be entirely conformed to Thy Divine Will. Eternal Father, by the Most Precious Blood of Jesus Christ, glorify His most holy Name according to the desires of His adorable Heart. We give Thee thanks, Almighty God, for all Thy benefits. Who livest and reignest world without end. Amen. --- NewsGate v1.0 gamma 2 * Origin: News Gate @ Net396 -Huntsville, AL - USA (1:396/4) .