Today we hear from the first letter of Peter. In great wisdom, this reading asserts that our salvation was paid for us not by things of the world such as gold or silver, but rather by the blood of Christ. We have our new life in Christ not in the perishable things of this world, but in things that are eternal and divine. While we see things in this world that are beautiful and that catch our eye, it is the word of God that endures forever. That is where we are called to put our faith and trust.
The saint we celebrate today, Joan of Arc, the Maid of Orléans, who died on this day way back in 1431 at the age of 19. She is remembered for her faith in the Lord, a faith that called her to lead the French troops to victory over the English in a phase of the Hundred Years’ War. In the courage and confidence she found in her faith, she stated: "I place trust in God, my creator, in all things; I love him with all my heart.” Joan was burned at the stack as a heretic, the victim of political circumstances and jealousies. Yet, her faith and courage has been remember throughout the generations, inspiring many. Although she died way back in 1431 and was not canonized until the year 1920, almost 500 years later, she remained a saint in the eyes of believers for centuries even before she was officially canonized by the Church. One of my favorite novels, Black Robe by Brian Moore, shows a Jesuit priest praying at the site where Joan of Arc was burned at the stack before he embarks for his mission work in Canada in the early 17th century. Her example of faith still speaks to us throughout the centuries. Joan of Arc was able to take risks of faith based upon the enduring word of God that allowed her to rise above those transitory things of our world. May we also have the strength and courage to stand by the word of God, to have it inspire us and guide us.
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