A Call to Action

Composed by: Br. Dominic

I've never known much about the story of St. Maria Goretti. But after reading In Garments All Red, I've found that hers is the tragic, yet triumphant story of stout-hearted courage, holy suffering and bloody martydom. (For those who have not yet heard her story, here is a link for more information.)

This book made me think. A lot.

The value of chastity, is it really something worth dying for? Maria died guarding her chastity and virginity. Her actions revealed the basis of her beliefs and she kept holy what she valued as holy. Even in her youth, she knew and understood that the gift of herself is something sacred and cherished by God. In the end, she would rather die than to offend God in sin.

With that being said, to what extent do I understand the value of chastity?

With regards to chastity, and the other virtues, It is not enough to know, but we must understand and live in Christ in the context of our lives. The manner in which Maria approached the situation has radically challenged the way I look at sin and in living in the presence of the Holy Spirit. In moments of temptation, we are left with a decision to remain with the Lord or veer away into ourselves in isolation. How we act in the moment will determine the state of our communion and relationship with the Lord.

Pause. Take a moment and remember. Remember the goodness of God in your life and how He loves us. How can I possibly want to do anything remotely or related to hurting my relationship with Him?

Taste and see the goodness of the Lord! Maria's prayer reminds me that there is nothing sweeter. There is nothing in this world that can compare to the love of God and the realization of the truth of a God wanting my heart and how my heart innately responds in giving it to Him.

I know we must all endure suffering and hardship for the Lord. But am I willing to stake my life for it? Have I been valiant in the fight or complacent and passive? Holy martyrdom is a response to the call to follow Jesus.

If Christ has died for us, then we as His followers are called to live for Him! How will we respond?

Reference:
St. Maria Goretti: In Garments All Red, Fr. Godfrey Poage, C.P.