Whenever we celebrate a liturgical feast, the collect prayer contains themes corresponding to the particular feast. Today’s collect prayer mentions how God chooses the weak to confound the strong.
No doubt, the collect is alluding to the line from St. Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians from which we read today: “God chose the foolish of the world to shame the wise, and God chose the weak of the world to shame the strong, and God chose the lowly and despised of the world those who count for nothing, to reduce to nothing those who are something,”.
When she was martyred, St. Agnes was a thirteen-year-old consecrated virgin. In the eyes of the world, she was foolish, poor, weak, powerless and irrelevant. And yet, those with eyes of faith can see her wisdom, her spiritual wealth and power. She is not only relevant, but also a corrective force to the fallenness of the world, and an inspiration to Christians.
Agnes embodies the spiritual truth that hat true strength comes not from physical might or political influence but from God, true wealth lies in virtue and the ability to stand against evil, and true wisdom is found in living not just for worldly success but for eternity.
For her martyrdom, she won the heavenly crown, reminding us that fidelity to God in the face of earthly threat is the fulfillment of our faith.
When she refused the advances of the governor’s son, she was threatened with death. But she held firm to her consecration to her true Beloved, Our Blessed Lord, reminding us that there is a deeper love than earthly romantic love.
The fallen world, which often idolizes romance, physical beauty, self-interest, and compromise, is confronted by her unwavering pure love of God. And she challenges us to examine whether we are conforming to the world or living as citizens of heaven.
Agnes’ constancy in the face of persecution invites us to live with the same clarity of purpose, courage, and love for Christ. When we face ridicule or pressure to abandon our faith, Agnes’ witness encourages us to remain steadfast.
Her life invites us to learn to rely on God’s strength, especially in moments of weakness, and to remember that, like her, we are called to be witnesses of faith, even in a world that may mock or reject us for the glory of God and the salvation of souls.
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To God the Father almighty, dear brothers and sisters, may every prayer of our heart be directed, for his will it is that all humanity should be saved and come to the knowledge of truth.
That during this season of Ordinary Time, Church leaders and all Christians may grow in the practice of the virtues and make use of their spiritual gifts in service to God.
That as he begins his term of office, our nation’s new president will be assisted and protected by God’s grace and conduct his administration in righteousness. May he labor always for peace, justice, and the common good with respect to God’s laws and the dignity of every human person.
For all those preparing for baptism and full initiation: that they may be open to the grace of conversion and the joy of the followers of Christ.
For those who struggle because of addiction, mental illness, chronic sickness, unemployment, or ongoing trials of any kind: that they may be healed and strengthened in Christ. And for the victims of the fires in California.
For the repose of the souls of our departed loved ones…
O God, our refuge and our strength, hear the prayers of your Church, for you yourself are the source of all devotion, and grant, we pray, that what we ask in faith we may truly obtain. Through Christ our Lord.
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