Celebrating St Josaphat

Tit. 1:1-9, Lk. 17:1-6. Using a striking metaphor about millstone being hung around the neck of the one who causes the failure or spiritual ruin of others, Jesus in today's Gospel, shows the magnitude of scandal. For Jesus, a person who causes another to sin is a greater sinner than the one who actually commits the sin. Scandal becomes very destructive when it emanates from religious leaders. That is why St Paul in today's first reading, enjoins Titus to appoint elders of irreproachable character to the new Christian community.

It is necessary that religious leaders be people who are "not arrogant or hot-tempered, heavy drinker or violent, not one who is out to make money; but hospitable and friendly; sensible, moral, devout and have self-control". Having one who cannot control the self as leader will take people away from God. St Josaphat (1580 - 1623) whose memorial we celebrate shows himself a good leader by unifying the Ruthenian Church into communion with Roman Catholic while still preserving its own liturgy. He was born in Ukraine of Orthodox parents. Plotting with the Orthodox Patriarch of Jerusalem, who visited Ukraine in 1621, they stirred up trouble and as a result Josaphat was murdered by a mob in 1623 while on a pastoral visit to Vitebsk.

May the Lord give us the courage to forgive others and may He never allow us to fall away from God! Amen!! Good morning and have a productive week!!!