St Sebastian: Roman Soldier to Christian Martyr – Jan 20 – Homily – Fr John Lawrence

 

Fr John Lawrence gives the homily at Bloomington, IN, on Jan 20, 2025, on how St. Sebastian, a Roman soldier martyred under Diocletian, demonstrated extraordinary faith by surviving an arrow execution only to face death again after boldly confronting the emperor about Christian persecution.

Father explains that Saint Sebastian's story exemplifies the biblical principle that we must "obey God rather than men" (Acts 5: 29). His martyrdom reflects Christ's teaching that "whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it" (Matthew 16: 25). The homily discusses how Sebastian, like the early apostles, demonstrated the courage to speak truth to power (Acts 4: 19-20). As referenced in CCC 2473, martyrdom is the supreme witness given to the truth of the faith. Father explains that Sebastian's dual role as soldier and martyr connects to the spiritual warfare described in Ephesians 6: 11-17. His healing from the arrow wounds mirrors Paul's teaching that "when I am weak, then I am strong" (2 Corinthians 12: 10). The saint's protection against plagues reflects James 5: 14-15 regarding prayer for healing. Sebastian's willingness to face death twice demonstrates the truth in Romans 8: 35-39 that nothing can separate us from the love of Christ. His example fulfills Jesus's words about bearing witness before governors and kings (Matthew 10: 18).
FOR FURTHER READING:
Acts 5: 29 - NAB - Obedience to God over men - https://bible.usccb.org/bible/acts/5?29
Matthew 16: 25 - NAB - Losing life to save it - https://bible.usccb.org/bible/matthew/16?25
Catechism of the Catholic Church #2473 - Martyrdom - http://www.scborromeo.org/ccc/para/2473.htm
Catechism of the Catholic Church #2506 - Truth of Faith - http://www.scborromeo.org/ccc/para/2506.htm
Catechism of the Catholic Church #1821 - Christian Hope - http://www.scborromeo.org/ccc/para/1821.htm
Catholic Encyclopedia - Saint Sebastian - https://www.newadvent.org/cathen/13668a.htm

 

00:00 - Opening Prayer and Introduction
00:09 - Sebastian and Diocletian's Persecution
00:56 - Sebastian's Origins and Death
01:41 - Historical Fiction and Saint Stories
03:39 - Sebastian's Arrest and First Execution
04:48 - Sebastian Confronts Emperor Diocletian
05:41 - Sebastian's Final Martyrdom
07:31 - Sebastian's Legacy and Veneration

Ave Maria!

Mass: St. Sebastian - Opt Mem - http://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=103
Readings: Monday 2nd Week of Ordinary Time - http://usccb.org/bible/readings/012025.cfm
1st: heb 5:1-10
Resp: psa 110:1-4
Gsp: mar 2:18-22

More on the Readings: https://airmaria.com/r?m=1901&r=1365

Also on Facebook:
and YouTube: https://youtu.be/mI1TLkBLPdY