Today, as we reflect on the lives of the saints and hear the words of Scripture, we are called to consider the challenges to our faith, both the internal and the external. Saint Boniface, the Apostle of Germany, and Saint Paul, in his address to the elders at Ephesus and his testimony before the council in Jerusalem, offer us profound lessons.
Facing Challenges Head On
In the passage from Acts, Paul warns the elders of Ephesus, "Some even from your own group will come distorting the truth in order to entice the disciples to follow them."
This is a stark reminder that threats to the Church often arise from within. Saint Boniface faced similar challenges, working tirelessly to reform the Church in the Frankish kingdom, combatting heresies and negligence. Like Saint Paul, he understood that the purity of doctrine and the integrity of the faith community are essential.
Keep Up Your Courage
Paul's experience before the council in Jerusalem further shows us how divisions can arise even among believers.
By declaring himself a Pharisee and speaking of the resurrection of the dead, he set off a melee of dissension between the Pharisees and Sadducees. Yet, amidst this turmoil, the Lord appeared to Paul, saying, "Keep up your courage! For just as you have testified for me in Jerusalem, so you must bear witness also in Rome."
This divine encouragement reminds us that even in the midst of conflict and division, God is with us, strengthening us to continue bearing witness to the truth.
Look to the Church
So, what does this mean for us today?
First, we like Saints Paul and Bonafice must be vigilant against those who distort the truth, whether intentionally or unintentionally. We need to be discerning and hold fast to sound doctrine and also seek guidance from the Church.
Like Saint Boniface, we are called to reform our own lives and to work for the renewal of the Church, addressing the challenges of our time with courage and conviction.
Persisting Like the Saints
Secondly, we need to remember that divisions and disagreements aren’t new to the Church. From the earliest days, believers have wrestled with complex issues.
Yet, as Paul's experience shows, God can use these moments of conflict to further His purposes. My brothers and sisters, Let’s do our best, to approach our disagreements with humility and charity, always seeking to understand one another and to find common ground in our shared faith.
May we be inspired by the examples of Saint Boniface and Saint Paul, who, despite facing immense challenges, remained steadfast in their commitment to Christ and His Gospel.
Let us pray for the grace to discern the truth, to defend the faith, and to bear witness to the love of God in a world that so desperately needs it.
- Father David's inspirational homily was recorded live during Mass at the Father Peyton Center this morning. You can view the Mass (and the Rosary at the 30-minute mark) on the Family Rosary YouTube page.
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