(d.c.288) Little can be known for certain about the life of Saint Sebastian, other than his martyrdom. One of the earliest accounts of his life, written over 100 years after his martyrdom, suggests he was born to a wealthy Roman family and was an officer in the imperial bodyguard. When it was discovered that he was a Christian, he was shot by archers, left for dead, and healed by Saint Irene. Sebastian returned to preach the gospel to Emperor Diocletian and was then beaten to death with a club.
Saint Sebastian is known as a patron of athletes and soldiers, but in the middle ages he was also considered to be a patron against the plague and epidemics, those attacks from “nature’s archers.” We desire to end the epidemic of addiction in the modern world, seeking a new way of life through a spiritual solution. How often do we turn to intercessory prayer (for ourselves and for others) to battle this epidemic?
“Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul; rather, be afraid of the one who can destroy both soul and body in Gehenna” (Matthew 10:28).
Reflection by Brad Farmer