Memorial of Saint Josaphat, Bishop and Martyr

Saint Josaphat was born toward the end of the 16th century in Ukraine and lived in Lithuania. The area had recently been brought into union with the Bishop of Rome, and he was a priest who supported that union and promoted it. His was made Bishop and he spent his life bringing order and supporting the union. He was murdered by someone who opposed the union with Rome. He was a man of order and wanted to bring together factions that opposed his efforts. Order and being united as people are in danger today.

We are more divided not only from others in the world but more importantly in our country and among our neighbors. Community oneness at all levels and love of neighbor are in danger. I would not be surprised if people started showing their “side” of politics on their clothes soon to help identify friend and foe.

I am afraid civil unrest, and division continues and the leaders of our country are not helping. Regardless of your political party we must see that continued attacking each other in public forums and on social media will not bring change or peace of union but further escalations and violence.

Today we hear in Romans that those who have been given great power or positions of leadership are held to a higher requirement to follow the will of God and be honest and fair and charitable and take care not to lead others astray. For God will hold them severely accountable. 

We cannot influence the powerful and leaders for the most part, but we can influence and choose how we live. We can decide that no matter our differences we will not fall for this attack by the evil one. We can be sure where division is present, the evil one is in charge. Where neighbors treat each other poorly because of differences God is not being listened to. When we only speak to those who share our political or cultural views, we are not followers of Jesus Christ.

We are like the lepers that were healed and given so much by the Lord. So many blessings. Yet few will recognize who brings peace and joy and good things to us and stop and give thanks. Stop and realize we owe all to God. Realize that differences are not what divides us. We divide ourselves when we listen to the evil one and rejecting the teachings of Jesus Christ.

Opposing others and creating division cannot be our work. For we work for Jesus Christ who came out of love for all people. We may and probably will be rejected by others for our faith or life as disciples but let that not drag us into the torment of hating or rejecting others. For Jesus took intense abuse for our sins and still loved all people. Pray to St Josaphat to ask Jesus Christ to bring unity and peace to our homes and state and country and the whole world. For we need his prayers now more than ever.