Reflection: Saint Agnes, Virgin and Martyr...

Today is the Feast Day of Saint Agnes of Rome, holy martyr and patron saint of girls. According to tradition, she was a beautiful virgin, who turned away all suitors, declaring that she could have no spouse, but Jesus. The rejected suitors informed Roman officials that she was a Christian and she was punished by being exposed in a brothel. There she was left miraculously unharmed; the only man who attempted to violate her was struck blind, and she healed him with prayer.

She was murdered at the age of 13, during the persecutions ordered by Diocletian. The name Agnes means lamb.  Saint Agnes was a courageous witness, who would not let sufferings, persecutions and confinement break her commitment to Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God

Agnus Dei, qui tolis peccata mundi,
Lamb of God, who take away sins of world,
dona nobis pacem. grant us peace.

Here is a wise and faithful virgin who went with lighted lamp to meet her Lord.

The bridegroom is here; let us go out to meet Christ the Lord. Matthew 25:6

Today Christians are being persecuted and martyred all around the world. Let us call upon Saint Agnes to intercede for those in danger. Let us ask her to help us be courageous witnesses for Christ. He came to seek and save the lost and He calls upon us to do the same. When we see injustice and we witness to Christ, we shine His light into the darkness.  He dispels and scatters the darkness and opens the eyes of those who can not see. Jesus is the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world.

Our Savior Jesus Christ destroyed death and brought life and immortality to light through the Gospel. 2 Timothy 1:10