January 20 2021 - St. Sebastian - Soldier Martyr

Saint Sebastian was a Christian who joined the Roman army in the third century. Because he was a highly capable soldier, he moved up the ranks quickly and became a Praetorian Guard for the Emperor Diocletian. Secretly, though, he spent as much time as possible evangelizing his fellow soldiers and would secretly visit the Christians who were arrested and sentenced to death. He was eventually discovered. By order of the Emperor Diocletian,  Sebastian was to be put to death by being shot with arrows.  He was shot by numerous archers.  But miraculously, he did not die. 

Artistic depictions always show the handsome young soldier, chained to a Roman column or a tree with arrows sticking out of him.  Having been left for dead, he was nursed back to health by another Saint, St. Irene.  One day, Sebastian heard that the Emperor was going to be passing by. When he did, Sebastian denounced the Emperor for his cruelty to Christians.  This time the sentence of death was carried out, and Sebastian was beaten to death with clubs.  His relics are kept at the Basilica of St. Sebastian in Rome.

Here is a martyr of tremendous courage and perseverance.  Perhaps this is why he is the patron saint of Athletes.  His courage and perseverance from 1700 years ago has left a lasting impression on history, and reminds us of the greatness that Christians are capable of and called to. 

Who are the pagan soldiers you are called to preach to and convert? Who are the Christians imprisoned you are called to visit? Who are the emperors you are called to denounce? What are the arrows that you are called to bear patiently, with fortitude and grace, and the sufferings you are called to offer up?

May the Holy Spirit help us to emulate the virtues of St. Sebastian and the great martyrs--who fear not those who could kill their bodies, but for their eternal soul and the souls of others. To obey God , to have compassion for unbelievers and prisoners, and not to fear the wrath of corrupt men, for the glory of God and salvation of souls.

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On this inauguration day, we pray for our nation and for the president-elect and his administration. 

As prayed by Archbishop John Carroll for the inauguration of our nation’s first president, we pray, that the God of might, wisdom, and justice, through Whom authority is rightly administered, laws are enacted, and judgment decreed, assist with Thy holy spirit of counsel and fortitude the President of the United States, that his administration may be conducted in righteousness, and be eminently useful to Thy people over whom he presides; by encouraging due respect for virtue and religion; by a faithful execution of the laws in justice and mercy; and by restraining vice and immorality. Let us pray to the Lord.

That the light of God’s divine wisdom direct the deliberations of Congress, and shine forth in all the proceedings and laws framed for our rule and government, so that they may tend to the preservation of peace, the promotion of national happiness, the increase of industry, sobriety, and useful knowledge; and may perpetuate to us the blessing of equal liberty.

We pray for all judges, magistrates, and other officers who are appointed to guard our political welfare, that they maybe enabled, by Thy powerful protection, to discharge the duties of their respective stations with honesty and ability.

We recommend likewise, to Thy unbounded mercy, all our brethren and fellow citizens throughout the United States, that they may be blessed in the knowledge and sanctified in the observance of Thy most holy law; that they may be preserved in union, and in that peace which the world cannot give; and after enjoying the blessings of this life, be admitted to those which are eternal.