Daily Reflections

Memorial of Saint Agatha

Scripture:

Hebrews 12:4-7, 11-15
Mark 6:1-6

Reflection:

Our reading from the book of Hebrews continues today as we keep progressing through this book with the biblical author who is trying to illuminate a theology for the early church.  Today’s reading starts with, “In your struggle against sin you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding blood.”  Under my breath I reflected and questioned how much of this reading contributed to the glorification of martyrdom in the early years of the church. Even today’s feast day, as we remember and celebrate St. Agatha, asks us to think about faith and those who died for the faith.  

We aren’t sure if Agatha was born in Catania or Palermo. The trivial details have long been forgotten. What is remembered is her single-heartedness. What has been passed down and written about is how highly she was venerated in Christian antiquity. She was put to death during the persecution of Decius for her unwavering belief in God.

From her very early years Agatha dedicated her life to God as a consecrated virgin. She desired to give herself totally to Jesus and the Church in a life of prayer and service. A high diplomat named Quintianus thought he could get her to turn away from her vow to God and force her to marry him. Polite proposals escalated to harassment, arrests, imprisonment, and hideous torture. Through all of it Agatha continued her simple prayer of single-heartedness to Christ. Even the prayer attributed to her death, was a single-heart devotion. “Lord, my Creator, you have ever protected me from the cradle; you have taken me from the love of the world and given me patience to suffer: receive now my soul.”

Agatha’s example is her perseverance in running the race and keeping her eyes fixed on Jesus, the leader and perfector of faith. She embraced the joy found in the presence of Christ, understanding it as the fullness and completeness of life. Some will struggle to relate to her piety, calling it irrelevant for our world today. Yet no one can deny the depth and conviction of her faith. 

Reveling in how straightforward people are portrayed in Mark’s Gospel, I’m fascinated how Mark never adds any sweetener. Flowery language is not part of his repertoire.  Today is another example. The very people who watched Jesus grow up, will marvel at his wisdom and some of the remarkable deeds that have been said of him.  However, they choose to remain locked in their perceptions, and refrain from seeing Jesus as something greater.  To refrain from seeing is a form of blindness. Moreover, they do not realize they have chosen blindness.  Isn’t it shocking to see they are content with their blindness?  They disregard Jesus’ attitude taking offense at him, dismissing him as just an ordinary person— a “carpenter”.  Are they impaired and unable to see that what some may call an ordinary person is still a true blessing from God?

As strong as Jesus’s faith is, he finds himself confined.  He can’t do mighty deeds before people who minimize and take offense at him.  The element of hope which we need to take deep into contemplation is that no matter how strong one’s offense may be, it still can’t silence Jesus.  He can still do some small things.  Mark says he cures a few sick people, laying hands on them. Jesus’s faith and ability are greater than the loudest doubters.  Again, today’s readings return us to the theme of faith.

This is why it is important that we surround ourselves with people of faith. Faith breeds faith.  Sharing faith helps faith grow.  Agatha continues to share her faith with us on this, her feast day.  And in circles of faith, Christ does amazing things.

Fr. David Colhour, C.P., is the Provincial Superior of Holy Cross Province. He resides in Chicago, Illinois.