APRIL 18, 2025 – GOOD FRIDAY – ST. APOLLONIUS, MARTYR.
- St. Appollonius (185). Martyr. Patron of Apologists. (Historical)
GOOD FRIDAY.
JESUS CHRIST was nailed to the cross about midday, expired thereon in the afternoon, and was taken down in the evening toward sunset, or the sixth hour. According to the language of St. Paul, thus did He, by His blood, pacify heaven and earth. If this form of expression convey not simply the reconciliation of heaven with the earth, it veils a mystery impenetrable to feeble reason. But this very reconciliation is in itself the greatest mystery; for man always vainly tries to explain it by recurring to comparisons and considerations of human conception merely, which are vastly insufficient, from the fact of their being human. And what matters it, after all, whether we understand or not so great a mystery? Enough for us that it has produced its effect, and that we are able to adore it in gratitude and love. That philosophy should rail at what it does not fathom is sheer foolishness. Incredulity may scoff at what it does not recognize; it concerns it, however, to know whether reason be on its side. Let heresy explain, after human fashion, things divine; as for us Christians, let us fix our gaze on the Mediator between God and man, raised aloft between heaven and earth, with arms outstretching in order to enfold the universe; with head down bent, to give to the world the kiss of peace and reconciliation, after having, at the cost of His blood, purchased peace, and let us humble our whole being in heartfelt thanksgiving and love. Let us reverently imprint our lips on this cross, the instrument of our salvation; let us bend down trembling before the just God, who takes such noble revenge for our guilt. By our works let us make some return for the price we have cost; by our penitence and tears let us apply to ourselves the merit of His redemption, and henceforth live only for heaven, since we have been made heirs to heaven.
REFLECTION: The cross, “to the Jews indeed a stumbling-block, and to the Gentiles foolishness,” is, withal, the instrument of Christ’s power and of the wisdom of God.
ST. APOLLONIUS, MARTYR.
MARCUS AURELIUS had persecuted the Christians, but his son, Commodus, who, in 180, succeeded him, showed him. self favorable to them out of regard to his Empress Marcia, who was an admirer of the faith. During this calm, the number of the faithful was exceedingly increased, and many persons of the first rank, among them Apollonius, a Roman senator, enlisted themselves under the banner of the cross. He was a person very well versed both in philosophy and the holy Scripture. In the midst of the peace which the Church enjoyed, he was publicly accused of Christianity by one of his own slaves. The slave was immediately condemned to have his legs broken, and to be put to death, in consequence of an edict of Marcus Aurelius, who, without repealing the former laws against convicted Christians, ordered by it that their accusers should be put to death. The slave being executed, the same judge sent an order to St. Apollonius to renounce his religion as he valued his life and fortune. The Saint courageously rejected such ignominious terms of safety, wherefore Perennis referred him to the judgment of the Roman senate, to give an account of his faith to that body. Persisting in his refusal to comply with the condition, the Saint was condemned by a decree of the Senate, and beheaded about the year 186.
REFLECTION: It is the prerogative of the Christian religion to inspire men with such resolution, and from them to such heroism, that they rejoice to sacrifice their life to truth. This is not the bare force and exertion of nature, but the undoubted power of the Almighty, whose strength is thus made perfect in weakness. Every Christian ought, by his manners, to bear witness to the sanctity of his faith. Such would be the force of universal good example, that no libertine or infidel could withstand it.
WORD OF THE DAY
CRUCIFIX. A cross bearing the image of Christ. It must be placed on or over an altar where Mass is offered. Due reverence is always given to it. It is sometimes carried as a procession cross leading a line of clergy. Depicting the dead or suffering Christ, the crucifix did not come into general use until after the Reformation. The earlier ones represented Our Lord as the High Priest crowned, robed, and alive. Some men and women religious wear the crucifix as part of their habit. A crucifix is attached to the Rosary beads, and many liturgical blessings are to be given with it. A blessed crucifix is a sacramental and is commonly displayed in Catholic hospitals, homes, and institutions. (Etym. Latin crucifixus, the crucified.)
Modern Catholic Dictionary, Fr. John Hardon SJ (Get the real one at Eternal Life — don’t accept an abridged or edited version of this masterpiece!)
HOLY WEEK MEDITATIONS
Special meditations focused on Holy Week: GOOD FRIDAY
LENT MEDITATION DAY 45
Enjoy daily meditations this lent from Fr. Richard Clarke, SJ. Short and powerful, written in 1880 for busy lay people to reap rewards through lent. (includes audio): Lent Day 45: Good Friday — The Descent from the Cross.
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