Holy martyr Florian.

Reading from the Second Letter of the Holy Apostle Paul to Timothy ¦ 2 Tim 2, 1-13. Therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. And what you have heard from me in front of many witnesses, entrust to reliable people who will be able to teach others. Suffer with me as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. None of the soldiers interferes in the affairs of everyday life if they want to please the one who hired them. And whoever races does not get a crown if he does not race according to the rules. The farmer who toils is to be the first to receive a share of the harvest. Consider what I say. The Lord will make you understand everything. Remember that Jesus Christ, of the family of David, was raised from the dead according to my gospel, for which I endure hardships even to fetters like some criminal. But God’s word is not bound! Therefore, I endure everything for the sake of the elect, so that they too may attain the salvation that is in Jesus Christ and eternal glory. The word is reliable: If we died with him, we will also live with him. If we persevere, we will also reign with him. If we deny him, he will deny us. If we are unfaithful, he remains faithful because he cannot deny himself. 

Reading from the Holy Gospel according to Matthew Gospel ¦ Mt 10, 28-33. Jesus told his apostles: “Do not be afraid of those who kill the body, but cannot kill the soul. Rather, fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell. Aren’t two sparrows for a penny? And yet not one of them falls to the ground without the knowledge of your Father. But you also have all the hairs on your head counted. So don’t worry, you are more valuable than many sparrows. Everyone who acknowledges me before men, I will also acknowledge before my Father who is in heaven. But whoever denies me before men, I will also deny before my Father who is in heaven.” —– 

Let us pray: Almighty God, you granted grace to the holy martyr Florian, that he testified to faith in Christ by his own death; we beg you, through his intercession, protect us from all evil and help us to have the courage to confess our faith in your Son undaunted. For he is God and lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit forever and ever.