20 Jan – Memorial for St. Fabian, pope and martyr; Memorial for St. Sebastian, martyr
Pope St. Fabian (d. 250) was a layman and a farmer. He came into Rome on a day when a new pope was to be elected. A dove flew in and settled on his head. The gathered clergy and laity took this as a sign that Fabian had been anointed, and he was chosen Pope by acclamation.
He sent St. Dionysius and other missionaries to Gaul, and condemned the heresies of Privatus. He was martyred for his faith in the persecutions of Decius.
St. Sebastian (d. 288) was the son of a wealthy Roman family. He was educated in Milan and became an officer of the Imperial Roman army, and captain of the guard. He was a favourite of Diocletian. During Diocletian’s persecution of the Christians, Sebastian visited them in prison, bringing supplies and comfort. He was reported to have healed the wife of a brother soldier by making the Sign of the Cross over her. He converted soldiers and a governor.
He was charged as a Christian, tied to a tree, shot with arrows, and was left for dead. He survived, recovered, and returned to preach to Diocletian. The emperor then had him beaten to death.
During the 14th century, the random nature of infection with the Black Death caused people to liken the plague to their villages being shot by an army of nature’s archers. In desperation, they prayed for the intercession of a saint associated with archers, and St. Sebastian became associated with the plague.
- Patron Saint Index
2 Sam 1:1-4,11-12,17,19,23-27
Mk 3:20-21
When his relatives heard of this, they set out to take charge of him, convinced he was out of his mind.
“You are out of your mind” is a phrase which is used whenever we suggest to our loved ones and friends a plan which is out of the norm. Indeed, it is quite annoying to hear such a phrase because our friends all laugh at us and do not offer us encouragement and support but turn out to be a naysayer. Christianity calls us to be radical and sometimes our actions are considered to be ‘out of our mind’ because it is so unconventional.
I have discovered that Christianity is about boldness in action and gentleness in encouraging others to consider the belief it offers. We are called to be missionaries of God’s word even in our workplace, homes and places where we go for recreation. The joy of the Gospel should draw us towards sharing with others what we have read. The Gospels challenge us in a way which is radically different and this means that our lives will also have to be led in a different and challenging manner. We must be prepared for the criticism to come our way as this may go against the norm of things.
As we come to the end of another week, let us take time to reflect on what has happened this week. Perhaps we could identify one event in our life where we have managed to share the joy of the Lord in our lives and then find out ways to continue this sharing to another person along the upcoming week. We should then offer up to God our fears and concerns which we have and trust that He will take care of us even if others call us ‘out of our mind’.
(Today’s OXYGEN by Nicholas Chia)
Prayer: Dear God, we pray for humility to accept our flaws.
Thanksgiving: We give thanks for all Spiritual Directors.
OXYGEN 
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