Legend of the Frost Saints
In Central Europe, farmers and gardeners keep watch on the nights of May 11, 12 and 13 for the three Frost Saints Mamertus, Pancras and Servatus whose memorial days fall during this second week of May. The farmers know that a frost at this time of year could destroy crops. After the days of the Frost Saints, folklore says its safe to plant tender crops.
St. Mamertus (who died c 475) was the bishop of Vienne. He began the custom of the three rogation days before Ascension as times of prayer for farmers and their needs. His feast is May 11.
Little is known about St. Pancras (or Pancratius). At age 14, it is believed he was beheaded during Diocletians persecutions in 304. His feast is May 12, and he is the patron saint for children.
St. Servatus was bishop of Tongres and supposedly hosted St. Athanasius during his exile from Alexandria. He died in 384, and his feast day is May 13.
He bought a parcel of land, with the wages of his iniquity, and falling headlong, he burst open in the middle, and all his insides spilled out.
Acts 1: 18
We have several different versions of the death of Judas:
1. Lukes account in Acts which we just read.
2. Matthews account which says that Judas returned the 30 pieces of silver to the chief priests and the elders saying, I have sinned in handing over innocent blood. They said, What is that to us? See to it yourself. Flinging the silver pieces into the temple, he left and went off and hanged himself.
3. An account by Papias, a bishop who lived in the latter part of the first century and on into the second. We dont have his text, but a fourth century author quotes it:
Judas lived his career in this world as an enormous example of impiety. He was so swollen in the flesh that he could not pass where a wagon could easily pass. Having been crushed by a wagon, his entrails poured out.
All three traditions agree that Judas lived an unhappy life after his betrayal and died a horrible death. Whatever the specific historical facts, the drift of the stories is clear: Sin, if left untreated infects and eats away at the depth of our soul.
Its bad for our health to let sin fester inside us. The Lords arms are always open wide in mercy. Always.
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