When the Crusaders were fighting to regain the Holy Land from the hands of Muslims, they heard the story of a soldier-martyr, St. George, who captivated their imagination and inspired their efforts on the battle field. They returned to Europe carrying the story of this heroic figure whose example to and devotion of the people made him one of the most popular saints of the Middle Ages and beyond. The tale, true or fictional of his battle with the dragon, inspired a famous painting by Rembrandt as well as the faith of believers. The image of dragon slaying can be taken metaphorically of the battle between good and evil that goes back to Adam and Eve in the Garden.
In the Acts of the Apostles, today's first reading, we hear Peter and the Apostles set their standard high: "We must obey God rather than men," (Acts 5: 29), a principle sorely needed today. Many good people have lived by this and put it into practice in one way or another...St. Marcellin addressed the "dragon" of ignorance and founded the Marist Brothers to slay it, and St. John Bosco addressed the "dragon" in the streets of Turin and slayed him by rounding up "Street Kids" and giving them a home, religious instruction and trade skills. St. Teresa of Calcutta confronted the dying and neglected in the streets, showed them compassion and love and helped they die with dignity. The "dragon" is always with us and in these days of curtailed activity, can we band together to stop the virus dragon and in some simple way, by our prayer, support of suggested precautions and support of organizations feeding and comforting victims? Where does "obeying God rather than men " take us today?
Bro. Rene
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment