Memorial of St. Agnes, Virgin and Martyr
Modern popular culture seems to have a high regard for brute force. We see it in action movies where conflicts of whatever kind are usually resolved through extreme fighting and destruction of property and human lives, often in fiery crashes and explosions. The popular attitude seems to assume that every conflict contains a “win-lose” component with rewards for the winner. More than ever, we need mentors who can show us conflict management without resorting to violence and character assassination.
Today we remember St. Agnes, an early martyr who faced violence with the steadfast truth of her conviction. Her choice to live a life of celibacy for religious reasons made no sense in the hedonistic Roman culture. Ignorance of her values continued to stoke the fires of violence until she was martyred. Nevertheless, her rock-solid commitment won permanent admiration down through the centuries. She was shockingly counter-cultural for her times by simply living out her nonviolent Christian values.
Jesus, in today’s Gospel, was counter-cultural. The Pharisees were ready for violence rather than seek the real reason behind the disciples stripping a few kernels of wheat on the Sabbath. Jesus responded to their blind violence by giving them a new perspective concerning the meaning of the Sabbath, namely, respect the best intention of the lawgiver.
Do we have the internal fortitude to be counter-cultural when the common good demands it?
Reflection by Fr. Daniel Petsche, OSB
Posted in Articles for Ordinary Time, Daily Reflections