Reading 1 Ti 2:1-8, 11-14
Beloved: You must say what is consistent with sound doctrine, namely, that older men should be temperate, dignified, self-controlled, sound in faith, love, and endurance. Similarly, older women should be reverent in their behavior, not slanderers, not addicted to drink, teaching what is good, so that they may train younger women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled, chaste, good homemakers, under the control of their husbands, so that the word of God may not be discredited.
Urge the younger men, similarly, to control themselves, showing yourself as a model of good deeds in every respect, with integrity in your teaching, dignity, and sound speech that cannot be criticized, so that the opponent will be put to shame without anything bad to say about us.
For the grace of God has appeared, saving all and training us to reject godless ways and worldly desires and to live temperately, justly, and devoutly in this age, as we await the blessed hope, the appearance of the glory of the great God and of our savior Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to deliver us from all lawlessness and to cleanse for himself a people as his own, eager to do what is good.
REFLECTION
St Josaphat is the patron saint of the Ukraine. He was known as the "Soul-snatcher"
He was a very "wise and holy" Basilian monk. He brought many young men into the Basilian order. Many sought Josaphat's spiritual advice. He emphasized the education of the priests. a strict rule of priestly life, and gave them a catechism to memorize.
He was a man of prayer. He loved to pray the Divine Office and his favorite prayer was the Jesus Prayer. Some of his brother monks could hear him praying "Lord Jesus Christ, son of God, have mercy on me." all night.
Josaphat desired to be a martyr for his faith and that is how he died. He was attacked in his residence by a mob of angry men, women, and children. They were against unification with Rome. They beat Josaphat and split his head with an axe, then shot him. stripped his body and dragged it through the streets. Finally, they threw his body in the river. His death accomplished what he desired, martyrdom and the unification of the Eastern Orthodox with Rome.
Later his body was brought to Rome. He was Canonized by Pope Pius IX Then Pope John XXIII had his body placed under the altar of St. Basil in St. Peter's Basilica.
St. Josaphat pray for us. Pray for all priests to be holy. Let us pray the PAPA Prayer for priests.
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