Right now, in the United States, the news of the presidential campaign is a constant: what one candidate says about the other, questions about the vice-presidential candidates, and what all of this will mean for the next four years of our lives.
Today’s saint is a good reminder of what is possible when we unite faith in God with our works here on earth, including family life and our civic duties.
Saint Stephen of Hungary
Saint Stephen of Hungary, originally named Vaik, was born into the ruling Magyar family. When he and his father were baptized, he was renamed Stephen. Once he succeeded his father, he worked toward unity in his family and established the Church in Hungary with the support of Pope Sylvester II.
Saint Stephen provided for training clergy. He built churches and was known for his generous charity toward the poor.
We can draw hope for ourselves and our leaders by Saint Stephen’s life and if we remember the reading from Ezekiel today.
The Lord's Covenant
On one hand, it is a message of God’s justice in response to our neglecting our relationship, His covenant with us. As we have heard, “I will deal with you according to what you have done, you who despised your oath, breaking covenant.”
And it is also a reminder that God is faithful and compassionate, even when we have drifted from Him when He says, “Yet I will remember the covenant I made with you…I will re-establish my covenant with you, that you may know that I am the Lord…”
God’s justice is neither arbitrary nor unfair; rather, it’s meant to help us see the consequences of our actions.
Little Actions Towards the Common Good
Whenever we have drifted from Him in big or small ways, God seeks us out to lead us back to living a life worthy of our calling. But we need to be listening with open minds and hearts.
Most of us will never have the opportunity to influence others as a king or a president. However, we do have the freedom to work for unity in our families centered on serving God and those in need. With the grace of God, we can encourage those who serve in public office to seek God’s wisdom in how they lead and govern for the common good.
Today’s Gospel is an important reminder of the gift of marriage and that conjugal love between a husband and wife is meant to mirror God's love for each of us. May we pray for our families, neighbors, and society to be united in God's love…and seek ways to act like Saint Stephen—faithful to God and His Church, unifying in our families, and compassionate to all those in need.
Saint Stephen of Hungary…pray for us!
- Father David's inspirational homily was recorded live during Mass at the Father Peyton Center this morning. You can view the Mass (and Rosary) at the 30-minute mark on the Family Rosary YouTube page.
- To join the Rosary and Mass Livestream, visit the Family Rosary YouTube or Facebook page at 11:30 a.m. Eastern, Monday – Friday. Consider inviting others to join too! (*If you are not a member of Facebook and a signup window appears, simply select the X at the top of the pop-up message and continue to the livestream.)
