March 14, 2024

Hello John,

Today’s texts encourage a deeper understanding of the value of selflessness, faith, and gratitude. They help us see the good things in life and how love can change us. In Saint Maximilian's story, he shows strong dedication to Jesus by refusing to join the Roman army, even if it means he might die. It is a challenging tale that I must ask myself, “Would I do the same?” Thankfully, we have seasons in our church calendar, like Lent, that offer times for reflection.

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Abundant blessings, 

Christopher Meyer
Director of Development 

Saint of the Day for March 14: Maximilian

(274 – March 12, 295)

Saint Maximilian’s Story

We have an early, almost unembellished account of the martyrdom of Saint Maximilian in modern-day Algeria. Brought before the proconsul Dion, Maximilian refused enlistment in the Roman army saying, “I cannot serve, I cannot do evil. I am a Christian.”

Dion replied: “You must serve or die.”

Maximilian: “I will never serve. You can cut off my head, but I will not be a soldier of this world, for I am a soldier of Christ. My army is the army of God, and I cannot fight for this world. I tell you I am a Christian.”

Dion: “There are Christian soldiers serving our rulers Diocletian and Maximian, Constantius and Galerius.”

Maximilian: “That is their business. I also am a Christian, and I cannot serve.”

Dion: “But what harm do soldiers do?”

Maximilian: “You know well enough.”

Dion: “If you will not do your service I shall condemn you to death for contempt of the army.”

Maximilian: “I shall not die. If I go from this earth, my soul will live with Christ my Lord.”

Maximilian was 21 years old when he gladly offered his life to God. His father went home from the execution site joyful, thanking God that he had been able to offer heaven such a gift. St. Maximilian’s liturgical feast is celebrated on March 12.

Reflection

In this celebration we find one inspirational son and one incredible father. Both men were filled with strong faith and hope. Let’s ask them to help us in our struggle to remain faithful.

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We grow as persons by giving to others—by loving others—which always requires a free decision to give up something for someone else. Look into history. Abraham Lincoln made many personal sacrifices and faced much criticism because he was determined to make us one nation. In our own experience, isn’t it that self-sacrificing mom or dad we most admire? Their decision to sacrifice for their family or others has made them into truly great people who inspire us every day to become more giving and loving people.

We grow as persons each time we make even a small self-sacrifice in giving to another, in loving another. And then we begin to experience a most surprising by-product—inner peace.

—from the book Three Minutes with God: Reflections to Inspire, Encourage, and Motivateby Monsignor Frank Bognanno

Adapted from Franciscan Media's popular online feature Pause+Pray, this book is designed to help you integrate your prayer life into your everyday actions, allowing your spirituality to flourish. 

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