The saint we celebrate today is important figure in the history of the Church in Eastern Europe. He was born near Kraków, Poland in the year 1030. As a priest, his preaching and his example of faith brought about real conversion in many of his flock. He became bishop of Kraków in 1072. In this era, there was a tense political situation in Poland at the time. Stanislaus was an outspoken critic of the king, of wars that Stanislaus saw as unjust and other actions he saw as immoral. At first the king repented, but then returned to his old ways. Continuing to be outspoken against the king, Stanislaus was charged with treason and threatened with death. When the king’s soldiers refused to kill Stanislaus, the king killed him himself. Realizing what he did, the king repented for his actions, fleeing his country and living in exile.
In our readings today, we see similarities in how the prophet Jeremiah was treated in his day and how Jesus was treated. Jeremiah was criticized, denounced, and persecuted. Even his friends abandoned him. He says that they were awaiting his downfall and destruction.The scribes, the Pharisees, and many others likewise turned against Jesus. They tried to trap him into violating God’s laws. In today’s Gospel, they are even ready to stone him to death. Jeremiah remained strong as he loyally served as a faithful prophet throughout his lifetime. Jesus also remained faithful to his Father and to his mission even to his death on the cross.
As we hear about the crosses that Jeremiah, St Stanislaus, and Jesus bore in their lifetimes, may we also bear our crosses with courage and strength.
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