+ Today we celebrate the feast of St. Josaphat, who is the first Eastern saint formally canonized by the Catholic Church. He was born in the Ukraine in 1580, entered the monastery in Vilna in 1604, and in 1609 was ordained deacon and then priest. He became a popular preacher, especially in support of extending the union with Rome to the Province of Kiev. He gained a reputation for asceticism and eventually developed the Order of St. Basil. In 1614 he became abbot of Holy Trinity Monastery and in 1617 Bishop of Vitebsk, with right of succession as archbishop of the province, which he attained in three years. As archbishop, Josaphat did much to reduce interferences of local landowners, held synods, reformed clerical life, published catechisms and accomplished many other pastoral responsibilities. Though doing all he could to unite the Orthodox Church to Rome, he insisted on Byzantine customs, such as married clergy and election of bishops. In 1623, he was murdered (thus achieving the great gift of martyrdom) by supporters of an up and coming rival bishop. He was beatified in 1643, and canonized in 1867.
In the first reading today we hear St. Paul telling the Ephesians that all who are baptized are called to unity in Christ: real, substantial and permanent unity; and to bring about this unity and to maintain it, there are a variety of leadership gifts given to each and every member of the Body of Christ, depending on God's will and each person's abilities and talents. Josaphat had gifts equal to that of being an Eastern Orthodox Archbishop and Martyr; we need to ask ourselves what our gifts are and evaluate our willingness to use them in service to the Church. There are a variety of ministries: there is one that is just suited for each of us!
In the gospel passage Jesus prays a special prayer to his Father for his apostles, (his bishops and their successors and helpers) – so that they may stay closely united with him and his intention and purpose always in their ministries – so that one day they may be likewise united with him forever in a special place in heaven reserved just for them. It would not be easy for them, and some would suffer more greatly than others; and some would give their lives in the line of service, in the line of ordained duty! These would be especially favored – because they would be the ones who gave it all, just as Jesus himself gave his all for us and our salvation!
We thank God today for exemplary saints such as Josaphat – who encourage us to remain focused on what really matters: life on high in Christ Jesus our Lord: who will reward us all for our efforts and our accomplishments!
Remain in my love, says the Lord; whoever live in me and I in him will bear much fruit!
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