Today is the memorial of Saint Stanislaus, bishop and Martyr. Reading the story of St. Stanislaus who died in the 11th century reminds us that being a Christian and standing up for what you believe in has never been easy. Known as a great preacher and spiritual director, he incurred the wrath of the King when he spoke out about his injustices. While one may hope that such identification may result in a change of behavior, that does not happen many times and this was no exception. St. Stanislaus was courageous enough to even excommunicate the king and paid for it with his life. King Boleslaus the Bold lived up to his name when he killed St. Stanislaus himself while the bishop was saying mass. Bold, indeed!!
Our first reading is also about a courageous and articulate martyr, St. Stephen, who is recognized as our first martyr of those following Christ. While he did not directly confront behaviors of a particular person, his speaking with wisdom and empowered by the Holy Spirit threatened many. So much so that it was necessary to bear false witness against him. Sometimes as I try to process the politics of our time, locally, nationally, and internationally, I wonder who is speaking with wisdom and the Holy Spirit and who are those threatened bearing false witness? I must confess that most times, I conclude that the wisdom and inspiration seem in short supply. Both St. Stanislaus and St. Stephen followed their hearts guided by the Holy Spirit. Both made enemies by preaching and acting upon their beliefs. Current day martyrs are doing the same as they stand up and are recognized as Christians in a less than welcoming world at times. They are Easter people, proud to be called Christians and bold enough to die for it.
It fits that our responsorial psalm blesses those that follow the law of the Lord. As I read of statutes and precepts, law and ordinances, I thought of the temptations we have that constantly pull us away from those directives. We are consistently bombarded with ways, things, and, sometimes, even people pulling us in all directions except toward the Lord. My husband and I were talking just this past weekend of how easy it is to have “false gods” – the attraction of things and activities that fill our lives yet leave us empty. Not empty like the tomb that was filled with hope but rather empty like a vacuum ready to collapse upon itself. An emptiness that can be filled if we let it with the light and hope of Christ. Yet, so often, these things occupy our time as we declare we don’t have time to pray enough or to do works of mercy.
The gospel has Jesus telling us that we are not to work for food that perishes. Rather, Jesus urges us to work for food that endures for eternal life. We find this food in our belief in Christ. Further it is critical that we live what we believe and do that through our actions. How we spend our time is very telling – we may say whatever about our priorities but the truth is reflected in our activities and goals. I know I must do some honest reflection upon how I spend my time and if they match what I espouse as most important.
Nancy Shirley
I returned to Creighton in December 2003 having previously taught at Creighton from 1980-1989 and involved in many campus activities including ILAC and CEC House. Since returning, assumed Faculty and Administrative roles on both Omaha and Phoenix campus prior to retirement August 2022. Served as the Nursing Director for ILAC from 2013 – 2021 and as a reservist in the Army Nurse Corps for 23 years.
I am a grateful child of God, wife, mother, nana, and retired nursing professor. My husband and I met at church and have walked this extraordinary journey together experiencing CEC in 2004 and growing more committed to our beliefs. In addition to my husband, I am blessed with a wonderful daughter and son, who in turn are blessed with wonderful partners. My son’s four children bring us all endless joy and delight. My daughter’s daughter (our youngest grandchild in Phoenix) has been a true gift beyond description. In early 2023, I became a Great-grandma!! I am now retired faculty at Creighton having taught nursing here from 1980-1989 and returned “home” in 2003 to teach nursing at all levels and to administer the undergraduate program on both campuses until 2022. My mantra has been My life is God’s gift to me; what I do with my life is my gift to God!!
Now in retirement, I appreciate more and more all the ways that I find God in my life especially through my family and garden and through music and song. I find listening to Christian music daily in the car keeps the right message in my head. It is, indeed, a blessing to be part of this ministry. Writing reflections is an opportunity to ponder the readings deeply in my heart and to share those musings and some music that further touches my soul. I am a recipient of God’s grace with each one I write.
