(Thursday, April 23rd) Feast of St. George: “Facing Our Dragons”
(Wednesday April 23rd) Feast of St. George: “Facing Our Dragons”
Robert Wicks wrote a Book entitled Riding the Red Dragon. The book is about gaining inner strength in challenging times. Perhaps Wicks was thinking about the Saint we remember today in the Catholic Church (St. George). George was a Roman Soldier who lived in the fourth century. He died a martyr’s death. He is the patron saint of England.
George became a popular figure in the middle ages because he represented the values of chivalry. Legend has it that as he was traveling through the Middle East, he happened upon a kingdom that was being terrorized by a dragon.
The dragon was fed two sheep a day to keep him docile, but the people were running out of sheep, so they decided to offer a young maiden to the dragon to satisfy his appetite. The woman to be offered was the King’s daughter. Rather than stand and fight the dragon, the people were willing to bribe him with what was most precious.
George went out to fight the dragon for his lady fair. He bravely killed the monster with his lance and the princess was saved. His story reflects many popular stories about knights in shining armor protecting the vulnerable from evil forces that have been told through the ages. The knights represent virtue and bravery.
Our spiritual life can be a real battle. We face numerous temptations. We can either acquiesce to the appetites that may corrupt us, or we can stand firm. Another way to look at is to say that we have many trials in life. We can just give up. We might listen to those inner voices that say we are worthless, ugly, sinful, and stupid. But then again, we can exercise the virtue of fortitude.
In this time of physical isolation, we are all wrestling with many dragons. Solitude has a way of exposing the unresolved issues of life. We can face the insecurities that we have. We can try to talk to God about the old hurts that we feel. Or, we can seek to medicate ourselves with food, drink, social media, frenetic activity, or other things.
Really, we cannot overcome the dragons by ourselves. We must admit we are powerless without the gift of grace. God can strengthen us. God can bring healing. Jesus is our knight in shining armor. We pray that we can find the confidence to invite him to defend us against the enemy.
Questions for Reflection:
1. What unpleasant memories have come back to me the last six weeks? Have I talked about these memories with a trusted friend or with God?
2. Have I ever had a knight in shining armor who has helped me to overcome my woundedness? Who has that been? It might be good to thank God for that person today.
Dear Parishioners:
People continue to ask me when we can expect to return to public worship. I wish that I could tell you that, but alas I do not own a crystal ball. I have read speculation about what worship might have to be like if we do return to community prayer too soon. The picture is painted is not one that symbolizes Christian love and joy. Social distancing, assigned seating, strange communion practices, no congregating before or after church. I do not think this is want Jesus had in mind. All we can do is to continue to pray for patience as we seek to protect ourselves and others.
My heart goes out to those who were isolated before these difficulties started and now have even less contact with others. We must rededicate ourselves to calling and writing people in our life that are very alone right now. If we all just make a couple of extra phone calls a day to those who need a listening ear that will mean a lot.
May the Blessed Mother and all the angels and saints watch over us this day. St. George pray for us.
Fr. Mark