Saint Sebastian lived and died for Jesus. He was a faithful follower of Christ during the Diocletianic Persecution of Christians. His faith was discovered and he was sentenced to death by archery. As his story is told, he was shot until he appeared as though a sea urchin. And yet, he miraculously survived. Nursed back to health by another Saint Irene of Rome, his faithfulness to Christ continued. Although his wounds still ached, his vow to Christ didn’t waver. Most likely pledged with PTSD and physical disability, he refused to abandon his conviction. He approached Emperor Diocletian in an attempt to warn him of the judgment for his sins against Christians. As a result, Diocletian was angered and sentenced Sebastian to a second execution, in which he was beaten to death. Yet even in death, his savior cared for him. Sending another woman of faith, Lucina to care for his remains. Lucina received a vision from the Lord of Sebastian being martyred and went to him and privately buried him to honor his life.
For centuries Christians have looked to the Saints of old for comfort, camaraderie, and encouragement to continue in a faith that goes far beyond Sunday school. I look to the life of Saint Sebastian to remember that I am not alone. Many before me have endured trials far greater than my own. Followers of my Jesus have survived assaults, and even in the aftermath have stood faithfully. The Christian faith is one of great triumphs and great tragedies. It is a faith that leads the abused to return to the abusers, not for revenge but to extend grace. It is a faith that remains strong, even when an extension of grace is met with beatings and death. This faith is far bigger than you and I. It is far bigger than the broken churches. It is far bigger even than our own extension of grace to abusers.
So, bloody and beaten pierced and cursed may my life be one of service to Christ let me not forget the faith of old of my fathers and mothers of my sisters and brothers. Grant me the grace to stay faithful. Let my wounds reflect the saints in hopes that Christ might be glorified. Let my forgiveness lead to repentance in hopes that the wicked may know love. Let my humility imitate our Lord’s that through me others may know this great faith.
Undignified 
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