FEAST OF SAINT MARTIN I, THE CONFESSOR, POPE AND MARTYR – 13th APRIL
April 13, 2022
MAUNDY THURSDAY
April 14, 2022
13 April, 2022
However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name. – 1 Peter 4:16
Eternal God, you have created us and chosen us for a purpose, and have given us a future hope in Jesus. It is your grace, by our faith, which awards us salvation, free of the condemnation of sin, as a gift to those who abide in you through Jesus, and acknowledge you as God. As Jesus suffered to atone for the sins of man, we too, as Christians have accepted our cross as the tool of our redemption, with rejection, torture and persecution as sufferings we are honored to bear for your greater glory.
Jesus, the human Son of our Eternal, Omnipresent, Omnipotent and Omniscient God, is acknowledged as Lord, Who alone is coequal, coeternal, and consubstantial with you, his Father. Jesus has prepared us for the lives we have to lead, following your Holy Word and submitting totally to your Holy Will. If, as Christ’s followers, we are given toil and tribulation, we regard it in every way righteous, and all that results, as in every respect profitable.
Jesus has offered the ultimate sacrifice to save us and we are not ashamed to be called Christians, or ashamed of our Christian doctrines, of our Saviour, or the profession of love, Christian fellowship and brotherhood. Lord, help us cast out what can lead to destruction, by careful discerning, choosing the right path, with the help of the indwelling Spirit of Truth. Let us glory in being followers of your Anointed One, for we would not stand in your presence, without condemnation, if it were not for the covering death of Jesus. We count ourselves worthy to suffer for Christ’s sake, and are willing to undergo all, in Jesus’ Name. Amen
