Homily: Feast of St. Boniface

Feast of St. Boniface (2 Timothy 1:1-3, 6-12) “On Fire”

St. Boniface was born in the 6th century in England. He began his life as a Benedictine monk. He had many gifts. He was a great leader, and he was fearless.

It might be hard for us to understand, but Christianity came to England in the 3rd and 4th centuries while a lot of continental Europe remained pagan. This was especially true in Germany. Missionaries were sought for the Germanic people.

The first missionaries had a unique way of evangelizing people. Many missionaries were monastic so they would move into an area and set up a religious community. Only later would they try to convert the local population. This was how Boniface operated.

He went to Germany and began some monasteries. He had some success. He was called to Rome where he met with the Pope who made him the chief missionary to the German people. He also ordained him a bishop.

Many of the Germans were part of religions that worshipped different aspects of nature. In one location the people worshiped a large oak tree. Bonaventure had a unique way of approaching the situation. He started chopping the tree down. When the tree did not fall on him and he was not struck dead the people converted to Christianity.

We can’t help but think about Paul’s letter to Timothy as we remember St. Boniface. Timothy was a missionary bishop like Boniface. Timothy grew discouraged and Paul reminds him that he needs to remember how he first came to have faith. He needed to get fired up once more. Boniface was on fire as he lived his Christian vocation. He succeeded in converting much of Germany. His legacy remains today.

Reflection Questions:

1.    How do I feel about my faith right now? Am I on fire?

2.   What might I do to be a better example of Christian living? Could I work on this during the Summer?

Dear Parishioners,

            This Sunday we will be having a Stewardship Sunday. We need new ministers. We especially need liturgical ministers.

            We also need people to help us with our funeral ministries. It is a corporal work of mercy to bury the dead. People who are grieving need to be able to turn to the church for healing when there is a death in the family. Could you help with this?

            Pray about whether you might be able to give your time to be a minister. Signups are on Sunday. Training will follow this.

            May Our Lady of Peace pray for us,

            Fr. Mark