Born in the year 640, St Kilian was born into a noble family in County Cavan, Ireland. He became a priest and was sent as a missionary to the Germanic tribes after he and his 11 companions received permission from Rome. He based his missionary activities in the town of Würzburg, where he successfully converted many of the people there to Christianity. He convinced the duke to abandon his marriage to his brother’s widow. While the duke was away on a military campaign, the duke’s wife had him and some of his missionary companions beheaded in the year 689. His remains were later discovered by St Boniface in a vault in the cathedral at Würzburg. St Kilian’s prayers are sought out by those seeking healing, especially for arthritis, as there are many accounts of his miraculous healing ministry as a part of his missionary work.
The 10th chapter of Hosea today gives powerful prophetic warning about the dangers of spiritual complacency during times of material blessing. We are invited to break up any fallow ground we have in our life of faith, to turn away from anything that has become a false Idol for us, and to cultivate a deeper, more fruitful relationship with God. Hosea compares Israel to a thriving vine, as it has become more prosperous as a nation. However, rather than respond to God with thanksgiving and gratitude, Israel has often turned to false gods and turned away from the faith. May we examine our lives to see the ways we have thanked God for the many blessings that we have in life.
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