Memorial of Saint Boniface, Bishop and Martyr
Teaching Children’s Liturgy this past Sunday, one of the children made a very human comment when she shared that if she were one of Jesus’ disciples when he was alive, she would be really sad when he died because he did not get to live his full human life. I was struck by that comment because of its truth. So often we get wrapped up in the later outcome, in the resurrection, that we forget Christ’s humanness and all that accompanies that. There is a sadness that accompanies death, all death.
This comment also filled me with a sense of urgency to make a difference now, to what needs to be done now, and not to wait for others to change things. I felt a real push to live out my human life as best I can, while I am here, however long that may be. I felt also, a call to use all things, even death, as a witness to God’s love.
Today we hear of two others who do not get to live their full human lives because of their willingness to sacrifice for their faith.
Today marks the feast day of St. Boniface, a Bishop and Martyr of our church. His life mirrors that of Paul, whom we read about in the first reading, in that both worked hard to spread the Christian faith. Both were called to witness to the truth of the Gospel amidst division and fighting and to establish organization and order amidst the division. Both died for their belief in Jesus Christ, bringing others to Christ, through their deaths.
When faced with his death it is said that Boniface told his armed comrades, "Cease fighting. Lay down your arms, for we are told in Scripture not to render evil for good but to overcome evil by good.” Boniface truly lived out the message Jesus is teaching us in today’s gospel.
In today’s gospel, we hear Jesus’ prayer to his Father. Jesus prays for all of us, that through his presence and his example we may know the Father’s love, a love that is overwhelming, unconditional and for all people. This love involves sacrifice and pain but works for the good of all people.
Just as both Paul and Boniface sacrificed their lives in witness to the Gospel, Christ sacrificed his life to overcome evil. May we follow their example and live the days we have, however long or short they may be, to also witness to this love and to bring others closer to Christ. I am not asking us all to be martyrs but to live with a martyrs heart – a heart that knows that love of God should be above all else in our lives, that sacrifice is normal and good and that good can come from even the hardest situations.
- Amanda Grimm