Today's Saint (May 6): John before the Latin Gate, Apostle & Martyr

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The apostles John and James, the sons of Zebedee, had said to Jesus that they were willing to drink the cup of His passion so that they might share through him the joy of His resurrection.

Our Lord responded to them, saying that they would indeed "drink of my cup." (St. Matt. 20:23). Subsequently James and John did share in Our Lord's passion by being martyred for their faith.

Pious tradition has it that Saint John, under Emperor Domitian, was thrown into a cauldron of boiling oil "before the Latin Gate." Hence, this particular feast day.

Through a miracle, this torture had no effect on him, and a church in honour of St. John was built near the Latin Gate of Rome's Aurelian Wall, at the spot of the miracle's occurrence.

In thanking God this day for John, Apostle and Evangelist, pray for all Apostles. (Note: John's Feast Day is December 27)

Pray especially that the Lord, the everlasting Shepherd, will not leave his flock untended, but by His blessed Apostles will keep it in His continual protection. (The day's proper preface, page B 47, The People's Anglican Missal).

The Day's Propers
Catholic Encyclopedia Article

Books Worth Considering
The 12 : The Lives of the Apostles After Calvary
The Inner Circle : Studying the Lives of 13 Apostles
The 12 Apostles : Their Lives & Acts (Children's Book)
Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church
The Concise Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church
The Treasury of Saints and Martyrs
The Oxford Dictionary of Saints (Oxford Paperback Reference)
The Penguin Dictionary of Saints: Third Edition (Dictionary, Penguin)

www.episcopalnet.org