Memorial of Saint Boniface, bishop and martyr
(Acts 22:30.23:6-11; John 17:20-26)
Today’s patron, St. Boniface, was English born and educated. He became a monk but also a missionary. He preached today’s gospel – the unity of Father,
Son, and Spirit -- mainly in what is now Germany. His message included the unity of humans in Christ. Boniface exemplified this unity when he gave
his life for the people he served.
Giving themselves to Christ in Baptism, Christians take on
his mind and heart. They share the same
faith and come to love selflessly as Christ did. It is not only a matter of imitating Christ’s
love. More importantly, they imbibe his
Precious Blood which moves them to perfect love.
We cannot have the same mind and will as the Father, Son,
and Spirit. Their unity in everything
except the relationships among them makes them God. However, we approach their unity by believing
what the Son taught and, especially, loving one another as he loved all.