Today is Jan. 20, the optional memorial of St. Sebastian.
At Mass today we read, “Son though he was, he learned obedience from what he suffered; and when he was made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him” (Heb 5:8-9).
I first learned about St. Sebastian in junior high when we chose our confirmation saints. Because Sebastian is the patron saint of athletes, he was a fan favorite of my classmates. (Given my own decidedly pathetic athletic ability, I did not choose the patron saint of athletes as my Confirmation saint.) Years later, as a parish priest, I noticed each year we’d have a few Sebastians at Confirmation. From what I gather, he’s still a favorite saint of teenage boys.
And I think that’s great. It’s great that young men are drawn to him. Sebastian is bold and brave. His courage and tenacity are not only among the highest virtues of Christian martyrs, but they’re also virtues we want our sons and grandsons to have.
Everything a martyr should be
Maybe you recall the story of Sebastian’s martyrdom? Condemned to death by Diocletian, he was handed over to be executed. He was shot to death with arrows. Or so I thought.
I only recently learned that St. Sebastian survived the first attempt to kill him, only to be later killed by being beaten to death after (again) accosting the emporer! Lionhearted and persevering, Sebastian is everything a martyr should be. His was a glorious death in imitation of Christ.
By suffering on the cross, Jesus demonstrates his obedience to the Father. In so doing, he teaches us that suffering can lead to spiritual growth and deeper faith. This is the lesson from Hebrews today. And in our own lives, we too will be transformed by carrying our own sufferings as St. Sebastian did: with courage and perseverance.
Let us pray,
Grant us, we pray, O Lord, a spirit of fortitude, so that, taught by the glorious example of your Martyr Saint Sebastian, we may learn to obey you rather than men. 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. Amen.
