St. George

Have you noticed that in our liturgical year, we are shown the lives who have been involved in the entire life of Christ? From the Magi, to the Apostles, to all involved in His death, the year gives us these prime examples of heroism to try to emulate. After the Death and Resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ, we are given many martyrs who gave their lives for this same Person and His teachings. Today is such a person, St. George. He is often seen slaying a dragon or saving a damsel in distress, and is considered the patron saint of Christian soldiers. It was often wondered if he was a person at all, or maybe just a myth, used to inspire those being lead to their death. But, he is listed in the annals of early Christian writing. He was being tortured, and while he was, the wife of the emperor saw his bravery and also converted, and following this was her death.

Saint George was born in Palestine of Christian parents, towards the close of the third century. In early youth he chose a soldier's life, and soon obtained the favor of Diocletian, who advanced him to the grade of tribune. But when the emperor began to persecute the Christians, George rebuked him at once for his cruelty, sternly and openly, and announced his resignation. Having foreseen that the words he would say might bring about his death, he had first distributed his wealth and clothing to the poor.

"Young man," Diocletian said to him, "think of your future!" "I am a Christian," George replied, "and nothing in this world is the object either of my ambition or my regret. Nothing can shake my faith." He was subjected to a long series of torments, and finally beheaded.

Saint Bruno wrote: "What shall I say of fortitude, without which neither wisdom nor justice is of any value? Fortitude is not of the body, but is a constancy of soul; with it we are conquerors in righteousness, patiently bearing all adversities, and in prosperity are not puffed up. Fortitude is never conquered, or if conquered, is not fortitude."


I would like to end with the words of St. Paul, when he wrote to the Ephesians:

'Take unto you the armor of God, that you may be able to resist in the evil day, and to stand in all things perfect. Stand, therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of justice, and your feet shod with the preparation of the Gospel of Peace. In all things taking the shield of Faith, wherewith you may be able to extinguish all the fiery darts of the most wicked one. And take unto you the helmet of the hope of salvation, and the sword of the spirit, which is the word of God.'

I would like, if anyone is allowed, to see my funeral, and hear the people there say: "He kept the Faith."

Wear your sacramentals and pray the Rosary, as well as any other prayers you do. We need all the heavenly help we can get.