Beloved: Today we gather in reverence for the memorial of Saint Josaphat, a bishop and martyr whose life exemplifies the virtues we see reflected in our readings from Scripture today. Josaphat was born in the 1580s in what is now Ukraine. A monk and a leader for the Eastern Catholic Churches, he dedicated his life to ecclesial unity and reform, seeking to bring his Orthodox brethren back to full communion with the Roman Catholic Church. His commitment to this mission ultimately led him to martyrdom as he was killed in 1623.
In our first reading from the Letter to Titus, we're called to embody sound doctrine and model good behavior in our lives. Saint Josaphat truly lived out this calling. He was known for his temperance, dignity, and self-control, not only in his personal life but as a shepherd to his flock. He provided wise counsel to both men and women in his care, encouraging them to embody a spirit of love and responsibility in their families. This aligns with the instruction we receive to nurture and train those around us—much like how Josaphat, through his own witness, inspired many to seek greater holiness and to commit themselves to their Christian duties.
The Gospel of Luke presents us with the parable of the unprofitable servant. Jesus reminds us that service to God is not about seeking accolades or gratitude but about fulfilling our obligations with humility. Saint Josaphat exemplified this truth in his own life. He did not seek fame or recognition for his labors; rather, he diligently dedicated himself to God’s work, serving as a bridge for unity between the Eastern and Western Churches. He understood that being a servant of Christ is a privilege. This humility and commitment to duty should resonate deeply with us.
In our lives, there is often a temptation to seek personal glory in acts of service—who among us doesn’t desire a “thank you” or recognition for our hard work? Yet, the call today is to recognize that our service is not ours to claim. We are merely instruments of God’s grace, called to contribute to His larger plan without expectation of personal reward, spare the reward of having the honour and privilege to serve the God of all creation who has and will love us for all eternity. Saint Josaphat’s martyrdom reflects the ultimate surrender to this call, affirming that our lives are to be dedicated fully to God, even to the point of death.
As we reflect on the lessons from Josaphat's life, let us ask ourselves how we might embody the teachings of Titus in our families and communities. Are we temperate in our words and actions? Do we offer our brothers and sisters in Christ encouragement to lead lives committed to faith and love? How can we be models of good deeds rather than seeking to be praised for them?
Moreover, let us carry forth the message of the Gospel by serving unreservedly, maintaining a heart of humility and recognizing each day’s call as a chance to fulfill our obligations lovingly, knowing that our true satisfaction comes from God alone. As we await the glorious return of our Savior, may we live with the mindset that we are indeed “unprofitable servants,” grateful for the opportunity to serve, and motivated by love rather than expectation. This is very counter-intuitive, especially for our fallen human nature to embrace.
Saint Josaphat’s life encourages us to engage with our faith actively and unapologetically, inspiring us to live out our commitments to Christ and to our communities consistently. As we honor his memory today, may we strive with renewed vigor to follow his example, making a real difference through our steadfast service, humility, and unwavering faith.
Amen.
Add comment
Comments