Today is Nov. 12, memorial of St. Josaphat, bishop and martyr.
In the readings for today’s Mass, St. Paul says, “Beloved: You must say what is consistent with sound doctrine, namely, that older men should be temperate, dignified, self-controlled, sound in faith, love, and endurance” (Ti 2:1-2).
On this feast of St. Josaphat, the Church invites us to meditate on the gift of unity. Born in a time of division (he was born in Kyiv, and his parents were part of an Eastern Church not in union with Rome), Josaphat’s heart burned for unity between the Eastern and Western branches of Christianity. From a young age, he felt an intense calling toward Christ, sparked by an experience where he envisioned a flame from the wounded side of Christ Crucified entering his own heart.
He became a monk and devoted himself to the teachings of the Church Fathers, seeking to bridge the growing gap between Orthodox Christians and the Roman Catholic Church. His writings, including “A Defense of Church Unity,” and his life of intense prayer and asceticism, were not just theological pursuits but expressions of his deep longing to heal the Body of Christ. He understood that unity in faith was not about losing cultural identity or rituals but about a shared commitment to the Truth and love of Jesus Christ.
True unity often requires sacrifice. St. Josaphat’s unwavering commitment eventually led to his martyrdom at the hands of those who opposed reunion. Even in the face of violence, however, St. Josaphat’s response was rooted in love. As the angry mob closed in, he offered his life willingly, proclaiming, “Take your anger out upon me!” His death — brutal and unjust — became a powerful testament to the love and forgiveness that underpin Christian unity. As the blood of a martyr, his sacrifice bore fruit, inspiring many — including some of his persecutors — to reconcile with the Catholic Church.
St. Josaphat’s legacy teaches us that unity is not a passive ideal but an active mission. It requires courage, humility and a deep reliance on God’s grace. His life calls us to pray earnestly for unity within our own families, our communities and the Church. May we, like St. Josaphat, be peacemakers who seek to heal divisions, offering our own sacrifices and prayers for the unity of all Christians.
Today, let us pray through St. Josaphat’s intercession for the reunion of the Orthodox and Catholic Churches.
Stir up in your Church, we pray, O Lord, the Spirit that filled Saint Josaphat as he laid down his life for the sheep, so that through his intercession we, too, may be strengthened by the same Spirit and not be afraid to lay down our life for others. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever.
My Daily Visitor spiritual reflections are a dose of daily Catholic inspiration from Our Sunday Visitor magazine.
Get these reflections in your inbox: Sign up here!
