"We are treated as deceivers and yet are truthful; as unrecognized and yet acknowledged; as dying and behold we live; as chastised and yet not put to death; as sorrowful yet always rejoicing; as poor yet enriching many; as having nothing and yet possessing all things." - 2 Cor 6:8-10 (Optional Memorial of Saints Marcellinus and Peter)
"I live for rejection," he said. I said "What?!?" and he repeated that same baffling phrase. A good man in our diocese shared that phrase with me recently. He went on to explain this sentiment. Rather than approaching difficulties, adversities, rejections and changes as dire finalities, he recognizes them as new discoveries of other ways. He shared with me the events of his youth which filled him with a deep gratitude for what the Lord had already accomplished in his life. This gratitude then led him to an openness and hopefulness of what the Lord would bring about even in the midst of difficulties.
Today we remember St. Marcellinus and Peter who were early Christian martyrs under the reign of Emperor Diocletian in the early 300's. Under the persecution of Diocletian, these saints were separated from their families and the community, imprisoned and brutally tortured. Yet, in the midst of this it is believed that Peter delivered the daughter of the prison guard from a demonic influence. How is it that these men who followed Christ and had their lives wrecked for it could continue to choose grace and manifest grace? Perhaps, it's because they didn't live for success or comfort. It is because they lived for Christ and lived in Christ. Thus, like my friend, they have no fear of rejection.
Where can you courageously exemplify your faith today?
Sts. Marcellinus and Peter, pray for us before God that we might imitate You in your sincere love for Jesus Christ.
Reflection by:
Fr. Chuck Dornquast
Did You Know...
Fr. Chuck Dornquast is a son of St. Joseph Parish in Zephyrhills. After graduating from Zephyrhills High School he entered seminary where he would spend the next 9 years. While in seminary he spent time at many of our diocesan parishes and discovered more and more the heart of Christ the High Priest within him. After ordination he spent his first 4 years of priesthood as the associate pastor of St. Lawrence in Tampa. He currently serves the Diocese of St. Petersburg as the Director of Vocations.
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