Saint Callistus I

We celebrate the memorial of a pope and martyr of the Church, Callistus I. It is said that Callistus was a slave. Once he obtained his liberty, he was ordained a deacon by Pope Zephyrinus and succeeded him in the Chair of Saint Peter. He fought against the Adoption and Modalist heretics. He was crowned with martyrdom in 222 and was buried on the Aurelian Way (Magnificat, 189). The entrance antiphon for Mass speaks well of this holy man and all those who have given of their life for the sake of Christ and the Church, "This holy man fought to the death for the law of his God, never cowed by the threats of the wicked; his house was built on solid rock." Even the gospel for today, Luke 12:1-7, tells us to not be afraid. Jesus is telling his disciples that they need to fear the devil because he can kill both body and soul but, do not be afraid. The conclusion of the gospel shows that we are worth everything to God, even the hairs on our head have been counted. God does not abandon us, He does not leave us orphan, He is with us at all times. No matter what trials, tribulations, struggles that we will face in life, we are not alone. God is always present and that is the faith that needs to be built on solid rock. Saint Callistus, pray for us!