Fr. Avila to Dominicans: Follow San Lorenzo's example - be courageous, faithful

via Natania Francesca Magat and Carlo Sagado, Junior Staffers

Day 2 of SDA's 32nd Family Rosary Crusade coincided with the feast of Saint Lorenzo Ruiz of Manila, this September 28.

Today’s Gospel, Luke 9:46–50, was reflected upon in connection with the life and martyrdom of St. Lorenzo Ruiz, highlighting the importance of humility, faith, and remaining committed to God.

Rev. Fr. Wyntelxnou Michikko G. Avila centered his homily on the life and example of St. Lorenzo Ruiz, particularly his courage to remain faithful to God despite the persecution faced by Christians during his time.

Saint Lorenzo knew the possible consequences of going to Japan; yet, he still chose to remain faithful to his beliefs. His life showed that faith is not only about believing in God when things are easy, but also about remaining faithful when doing so becomes difficult.

The homily then challenged the faithful with an important question: “Are you ready to die for what you believe?”

During St. Lorenzo’s time, many Christians experienced famine, persecution, torture, and other hardships because of their faith. Although we may not experience the same circumstances today, Fr. Avila reminded us not to take the freedom to practice our faith for granted. We do not know what the world will be like years from now, or whether the challenges faced by Christians in other places could one day become realities closer to us.

St. Lorenzo serves as an example of someone who was willing to give everything for his faith. His famous declaration, “I am a Christian and wholeheartedly do accept death for God; had I a thousand lives, all these to Him shall I offer,” reflects the depth of his commitment to Christ.

However, Fr. Avila also challenged us to look at faith not only in terms of being willing to die for God, but also in being willing to live for Him.

As young Catholics, we will eventually face situations outside the school where our beliefs may be challenged. Society may present ideas and practices that are different from what we have been taught by our faith.

Because of this, Fr. Avila asked us to consider how far we are willing to stand by what we believe and whether we are brave enough to be witnesses of our faith through the way we live.

Saint Lorenzo Ruiz reminds us that being a Christian requires courage, especially when our beliefs are tested. His example challenges us not only to say that we believe in God, but to show that belief through our choices, actions, and willingness to remain faithful.

In the same way that St. Lorenzo stood firmly for his faith until the end of his life, we are called to live as witnesses of Christ wherever we may be.#