Homily – June 5, 2009 – St. Boniface

There have always been good shepherds in the Church with the mind of Christ Jesus the One True Shepherd – and with his compassionate and merciful heart. Boniface of England was one such good shepherd. He was born about the year 673. He was first professed in the monastic life at Exeter, but in 719 went to Germany to preach the Gospel. He made many converts there and was consecrated bishop, ruling over the church at Mainz. He attracted many companions by whose help he founded or restored dioceses in Bavaria, Thuringia and Franconia. Hel also convened councils and promulgated laws. While preaching the Gospel to the Frisians, Saint Boniface was killed by pagans in 754. His body is buried in the monastery of Fulda.

Boniface was so very willing to bring the truth of the gospel to any in Germany who would listen. The truth sets the listener free. Boniface was intent on helping people free themselves from their former lives of sinfulness which enslaved them and to live the energizing, freeing life of Christ. It would not be an easy thing to do; Boniface knew this, but chose to follow his vocation and do it anyway. And he was a good shepherd who was willing to go so far as even to die for the cause of spiritual freedom for others: which he did, when he was killed by pagans while he was readying himself to celebrate the sacrament of Confirmation for a group of his flock!

It is interesting to note that one of the most famous hymns in the Church's repertoire Veni, Sancte Spiritus, Come, Holy Spirit would be written by Rhabbanus Maurus in Mainz, where Boniface was bishop, just two hundred years later.

With the help of the Holy Spirit all things are possible: even the defense of the truth in a pagan land: or in a land that insists on re-paganizing itself more and more every day. In the words of St. Boniface himself we read:

Since this is the case, and since the truth can be assaulted but never defeated or falsified, with our tired mind let us turn to the words of Solomon: 'Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not rely on your own prudence. Think on him in all your ways, and he will guide your steps'. In another place he says: 'The name of the Lord is an impregnable tower. The just man seeks refuge in it and he will be saved.'

Let us stand fast in what is right and prepare our soul for trial. Let us wait upon God's strengthening aid and say to him: 'O Lord, you have been our refuge in all generations'.

Let us trust in him who has placed this burden upon us. What we ourselves cannot bear let us bear with the help of Christ. For he is all-powerful and he tells us: 'My yoke is easy and my burden light'.

Go out to all the world and tell the good news!