Today we celebrate Saint Josaphat , a martyr whose life was a passionate pursuit of Church unity. His story connects powerfully with our rea...
Today we celebrate Saint Josaphat, a martyr whose life was a passionate pursuit of Church unity. His story connects powerfully with our readings through three words that begin with 'J': Justice, Joy, and Justification.
The First Reading addresses all who hold power, urging them to rule with Justice, because God will "scrutinize your intentions." St. Josaphat, as a bishop, sought Justice not just in law, but in the truth of the Catholic faith, working tirelessly for unity and healing division. His tireless pursuit of righteous Justice ultimately led to his martyrdom. But the reading gives us hope: the lowly are pardoned, and a greater punishment awaits the mighty who fail to do God's will.
This leads to Joy. In the Gospel, ten lepers are healed, but only one, a Samaritan, returns to praise God with a "loud voice, glorifying God." This is the spontaneous Joy of gratitude! When we truly recognize God’s merciful gift, we cannot help but return, fall prostrate, and give thanks. The other nine received a physical healing, but only the one who returned in Joyful gratitude received a deeper gift.
Jesus tells that Samaritan, "Your faith has saved you," which brings us to Justification. This is the gift of being made right with God. The Samaritan’s healing was completed not just by his cure, but by his faith-filled response of gratitude. His faith justified him. St. Josaphat was justified by his unwavering faith in Christ, a faith he literally died to defend. May we, like St. Josaphat, seek God's Justice, express our Joy in grateful service, and live in the grace of our Justification. Amen.
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