April 10

Readings for the Day: IS 52:13-53:12 PS 31:2, 6, 12-13, 15-17, 25 HEB 4:14-16; 5:7-9 JN 18:1-19:42

St. Stephen wouldn’t stop proclaiming his faith after being threatened with death. He was stoned.

St. Damien of Molokai wouldn’t stop ministering to lepers despite danger of contagion. He died after contracting the disease.

St. Maximilian Kolbe volunteered to take the place of another Auschwitz prisoner who had been sentenced to death. His offer was accepted by the guards.

How did these saints have the courage to walk directly toward death? They learned from the best. They knew the story of Good Friday and every day that led up to it. They understood the suffering that comes before the rising. They knew death was (and still is) only temporary.

Today, let’s ask for the courage of Christ. The courage necessary to live God’s will for us. The courage to suffer. The courage to die however God sees fit – so that Christ might live.

David is the Director of Faith Formation at Our Lady of Joy.

If you have comments or questions, send your emails to dlins@oloj.org.

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