(c.500-580) We have some biographical material of Saint Marcius from the “Dialogues of Pope Saint Gregory the Great.” He was a hermit miracle worker who was a contemporary of Saint Benedict. The two saints came to different conclusions about what religious life should look like and parted ways.

At one time, Saint Benedict instructed Saint Marcius to unchain himself from his cave. In this instance, the chain served as the limit he could safely walk without falling off the ledge. Metaphorically, we have chains that hold us back and chains that keep us within our boundaries. Christ is the rule of any just and proper boundaries. We also have chains that keep us from the greatness we were made for. What chains were forged in your addiction, either for boundary or that kept you from full health and potential? How has God replaced these?

“If thou be God’s servant, let the chain of Christ, and not any chain of iron, hold thee” (Saint Benedict to Saint Marcius, as recounted by Saint Gregory).

Reflection by Brad Farmer