St. Julian of Cilicia is a little-known saint who was martyred during the reign of Emperor Diocletian.  He is a model of Catholic fortitude because of the torments he endured rather than offer sacrifice to the pagan gods.  He was tortured for over a year, but he never compromised.

St. Paul instructed the laypeople of Thessalonica to strive after perfection.  We should deny ourselves with constant concern for salvation.  We never remain stagnant in the spiritual life, but are always either growing closer to God or falling away from Him.  St. Paul speaks directly to us when he instructs the practice of purity of mind and body.  The practice of purity places us higher than the angels and if we do not practice it, we are lower than the animals.  We are tempted most of all at the moment when we are dying, and if we don’t have control over our thoughts in those moments we will be lost.  Let us make ourselves suffer a little for love of our God.
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