Memorial of Saint Josaphat, Bishop and Martyr

As gold in the furnace, he proved them, and as sacrificial offerings he took them to himself. In the time of their visitation they shall shine, and shall dart about as sparks through stubble; They shall judge nations and rule over peoples, and the Lord shall be their King forever. Those who trust in him shall understand truth, and the faithful shall abide with him in love: Because grace and mercy are with his holy ones, and his care is with his elect.

Each and every day we prove our spiritual metal. We show God if we are made of the gold of goodness or the lead of evil. We reveal whether we are strong as steel in our beliefs or weak as tin. We either polish our interior lives so they shine like silver or ignore and abuse our lives until they rot with rust. We reflect God’s Love or we dull it with selfishness. It is up to each of us to tend the flames of our inner furnaces, to hammer out our imperfections and impurities, and shape our souls into beautiful embodiments of God. Like bronze statues, we must be formed and made into one, seamless piece united to and reflective of our Lord and God.

In what ways do we prove ourselves to God? How can we refine ourselves in the fires of God’s Love, Mercy, and Grace? What can we do to help others to be purified in faith, hope, and love?

O Lord, prove us in the furnace of your love.

Amen.