Memorial of St. Agatha, virgin and martyr

Today's Mass Readings

I have often turned to Thomas Merton as an inspiration in my spiritual life. His writing is so profound. There are simplicity and significant depth that run through all of it. I found a new insight recently when I read his autobiography again, The Seven Storey Mountain. In one section he writes about World War II which was raging at the same time he was entering Gethsemane Abbey. He wrote about the war as if his sin had caused it. He saw the war as something his sins had “helped to create.” Reading this startled me. How could someone who didn’t fight be responsible for war? Upon deeper reflection, I came to realize that we all share a responsibility for sin in the world. This doesn’t mean we are guilty for what other people do. It means that sin has a communal aspect, and when someone sins, it doesn’t just affect the individual. It affects others as well. So we all have some responsibility in the “fallen state” of our world. We also have the great opportunity to participate in God’s saving action. Jesus is the “Redemptor Hominis”, the Redeemer of humanity. We can come to be part of redemption by the love Christ gives to us. We need to be aware of our sin. We also need to know how blessed we are to be part of the redemption which Jesus works in the World.

Reflection: John the Baptist’s imprisonment and death are recounted in today’s Gospel. He sadly dies by Herodias’ grudge and Herod’s jaded pride. We celebrate St. Agatha’s memorial today. She is one who held to her faith despite the threat of persecution and death. She gave her life proclaiming the Catholic Faith. She took her role in the life of the Redeemer very seriously. Let us learn from her example.

Reflection by Br. Matthew Marie, OSB