Every once and a while we celebrate a memorial that includes a Saint, like today’s, and that also includes their companions. This group of 120 martyrs included 33 European missionaries and 87 Chinese laypeople, who ranged from 9 to 76 years old, and who gave their life for love of God.
This got me to thinking about the importance of men and women who inspire and lead us in our faith. People like Saint Augustine, Saint Andre Bessette, Blessed Basil Moreau, and in a personal way, Venerable Patrick Peyton.
I also wondered about something those companions will never wonder and that is: did they mind not getting top billing or credit. I know, it’s ridiculous to consider, for their reward, the only one that really matters, is to give glory to God on their way to heaven.
But, what about us? Where are we in having someone living or deceased who inspires and leads us to holiness? Do we recognize the need to both have and also serve in that role?
As we consider these questions, we’re guided by Jesus’ instruction to his Apostles: "Behold, I am sending you like sheep in the midst of wolves; so be as shrewd as serpents and simple as doves."
That may seem both daunting and complex. Daunting in that the world can be dangerous, and complex in holding shrewdness and simplicity together in our relations.
Sometimes, I think of this as Jesus protecting us from those who would take advantage of our charity and also his trying to have us keep guard over ourselves.
I bet we can all think of times when we’ve been fooled by someone or some organization, and also the times when we’ve been the ones at fault. When we think about the Saints, especially those who gave their lives for the faith, they understood both others and themselves. They were able to make the ultimate testimony of faith by choosing God over earthly life, when confronted by a tormentor and executioner.
And it all began in ordinary decisions, like making time to pray, going to Confession, celebrating Mass, and doing acts of charity at home and outside.
Thankfully, most of us will never be put in that position of shedding our blood for the faith. But there are people in the world who are currently facing this danger. People in Asia and other regions of the world. We can begin by praying and speaking out for them.
We can grow in living for Christ by trusting that the Holy Spirit will give us the words and way to speak. This faith is what allows us not to shrink, but to engage; to bring the Gospel of life to our families and beyond - strengthened in courage and hope by the Holy Spirit.
May God bless you and your families this holy day!
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