Homily: September 19 - Saint Januarius - Miracle of Blood

A lot of people are gathering in Naples Italy today on this feast of their patron Saint.  Saint Januarius was their bishop and he was killed in the last major persecution by the Roman Empire, that of Emperor Diocletian.  In the year AD 305, he and his companions were beheaded for refusing to worship pagan idols. 

Because he was hated for preaching Jesus Christ he was killed.  Saint John Paul II said that we are living in a “new age of martyrs”.  There is a new hatred for the Gospel, and a new hatred for those who profess it and preach it.  The twenty-first century has already seen in its first 14 years one million people killed around the world because of their belief in Jesus Christ – – one million already in this still young century.

The Bishops encourage us to intercede for the persecuted, to pray often for those who suffer, especially now, for their faith—who are not able to celebrate in the same religious freedom that we enjoy in this country.  The bishops also encourage us to support organizations which bring aid to persecuted Christians; they are our brothers and sisters in Christ, and if we can help, we should.

There is a very unique relic connected to the feast of Januarius, a tube of the bishop’s blood, which has dried.  However, several times a year, including today, his feast day, the relic is brought out for public veneration, and the blood liquefies.  This miracle has been occurring for over 600 years and it’s one of the most scientifically studied religious phenomenon in the world.  Scientists have been unable to explain this miracle. 

This is a good reminder that miracles do happen, God accomplishes great works in our midst that are not always scientifically explainable. 

A miracle is about to occur on this very altar.  Ordinary bread and wine will become the body and blood of Jesus Christ to strengthen us in holiness. 

But secondly, it is important to remember, that his blood is not just a spectacle or a magic show for our entertainment.  True blood was shed by a man who believed that the Christian faith was more important than his life.  He died, the martyrs die, so that those without faith might come to belief, and those with struggling faith may be strengthened. 

The martyrs are the grains of wheat spoken of by Jesus who through their death produce much fruit.  May our faith be strengthened by them, that we can give witness to the true faith in all we do for the glory of God and salvation of souls.