Daily Gospel Reflection
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September 28, 2021
When the days for Jesus to be taken up were fulfilled,
he resolutely determined to journey to Jerusalem,
and he sent messengers ahead of him.
On the way they entered a Samaritan village
to prepare for his reception there,
but they would not welcome him
because the destination of his journey was Jerusalem.
When the disciples James and John saw this they asked,
“Lord, do you want us to call down fire from heaven
to consume them?”
Jesus turned and rebuked them,
and they journeyed to another village.
Jesus “resolutely determined to journey to Jerusalem.” Another translation paints a more vivid picture as it reads, he “set his face to go to Jerusalem.” Nothing was going to stop Christ from this journey to his passion, death, and resurrection. Not even his friends’ over-the-top reaction to the Samaritans’ breach in hospitality because his entire life was appointed toward this walk to Jerusalem. He invites us to join him.
It is an invitation to focus on what is essential and not allow the noise of the day to distract us. It is a call to kindness and compassion in the face of adversity—to take a different path than the one of vengeance. It is a commitment to be faithful to the path and to love our companions enough when they stray to help them return to our mutual goal of abundant life in Christ. Jesus models for us a new way of peace.
Today’s scripture reminds me to take time every day to set aside fear, resentment, and anger and focus on my walk to Jerusalem. It is a daily step toward deeper compassion, stronger love, broader charity, and clearer justice. Jesus has set an example for us.
Be resolute. Be determined. Be deliberate. Keep going.
Prayer
Dear Lord, help us be resolute in following through on our commitments. Let us have the wisdom to say “Yes” to what really matters, and the discipline to keep our word. We ask your courage to say “No” to that which pulls us out of balance with you. Amen.
Saint of the Day
As the popular carol goes, St. Wenceslaus was, indeed, a good king, but not an English king. Wenceslaus was a ruler in an Eastern European kingdom, site of the present-day Czech Republic, and was killed by his younger brother who usurped the throne.
Wenceslaus was born in 907 near Prague into the Bohemian royal family. His grandparents were baptized Christians, and spread Christianity throughout their kingdom. Wenceslaus was raised by his grandmother, St. Ludmilla, who educated him and formed him as a Christian.
When Wenceslaus’ father died, anti-Christian forces began to develop throughout the kingdom. Knowing him to be a faithful, devoted Christian, Wenceslaus' mother suggested he enter a monastery. She also feared that upon assuming the throne, Wenceslaus would start a civil war with the pagan factions in the country. Ludmilla protested and continued to train Wenceslaus to be a Christian ruler, but she was banished from the court as Wenceslaus ascended to the throne. Wenceslaus announced that he would rule as a Christian who would abide by the law of God and the church. As an act of mercy, Wenceslaus restored his mother's place in court to her. Soon after, Ludmilla became a victim of court politics when she was strangled by two court nobles.
When Wenceslaus married and his wife bore a son, his younger brother, Boleslaus, lost his chance at succession. The discontented Boleslaus joined a group of dissidents who plotted against Wenceslaus' government.
In September of 929, Boleslaus invited Wenceslaus to celebrate the feast of Sts. Cosmas and Damian. Wenceslaus was warned that his life was in danger, but he paid the warnings no heed. He toasted Michael the Archangel, said his prayers, went to bed and slept peacefully through the night. The next morning, Wenceslaus met Boleslaus and embraced him, thanking him for his hospitality. Suddenly, Boleslaus and his allies attacked Wenceslaus, cruelly assassinating him. Wenceslaus last words were, “Brother, may God forgive you.”
Almost instantly, the Bohemian people honored the popular king as a martyr. Boleslaus was worried about reports of miracles taking place at Wenceslaus' tomb and moved his body to Prague, where it eventually became a pilgrimage site. St. Wenceslaus is the patron of the Czech people, and some of his relics rest in the reliquary chapel in the Basilica.
The English Christmas carol, “Good King Wenceslaus,” was written in the 19th century and is connected by popular devotion to this saint.
St. Wenceslaus, the good king who ruled with great faith and forgiveness—pray for us!
Image Credit: Our featured image of St. Weceslaus is in the public domain. Last accessed April 3, 2025 on Wikimedia Commons.
