May 6: Saint John Before the Latin Gate
Saint John was the only Apostle who was not martyred, a benefit granted him because he remained at the foot of the Cross during Our Lord's Passion while all of the other Apostles deserted. However, there was an attempt on his life, which is remembered today.
In the year 95 Saint John was arrested, brought to Rome and before the gate leading to Latium was thrown into a pot of boiling oil. After emerging from it safe and sound he was exiled to Patmos.
At Patmos Saint John saw his Apocalyptic vision, predicting the future of the Church.
PRAYER: Saint John, you earned the grace of dying a natural death through your devotion to our Suffering Lord; but you martyred yourself and earned the grace of suffering with our Lord in this trial of boiling oil and by denying your lower nature its unlawful desires. Amen.
