Good King Wenceslaus

No, we're not jumping into Christmas already, but today is the Memorial of St. Wenceslaus, king of Bohemia, who was raised in the faith by his grandmonther, St. Ludmilla.  His mother and his brother Boleslaus were antagonistic to Christianity and attempted to block the efforts of Wenceslaus to who tried hard to encourage his people to embrace the faith that brought him strength and consolaton.  Eventually Wenceslaus was betrayed by Boleslaus and killed by assasins in 953 in a trap set by him.  Some believe that Bolelaus actually delivered the fatal blow.  This real story is a far cry from the peppy tune that cheers us at Christmas and is a sober reminder of how families can be divided over religion.  It is also an inspiring story of conviction and trust on the part of Wenceslaus, who was almost immediately declared a martyr for the faith.  Jesus told us in Sunday's Gospel that his followers must be ready to carry the cross with him if they wish to be his disciples.  Our Marist spirituality invites us to the "martyrdom" of turning our lives over to God, as Mary did at the announciation, and as St. Marcellin did along with so many of his brothers over the centuries.  Our call this day and all days is to be, "Not my will, but your will be done." (Mt 26: 42)  We have a convincing cast of characters before us who followed this call. We are in good company. The choice is ours.
Bro. Rene