(907-929) This refers to the good king who looked out on the feast of Stephen, as many sing around Christmastime. He was born in Prague to a family that Saints Cyril and Methodius had converted. Wenceslaus spread and strengthened the Catholic faith in Bohemia and worked for peace as king. He had a saint for a grandmother and a good Catholic father, but his mother remained a pagan. Trying to gain power, she arranged to have both Wenceslaus and Saint Ludmilla, his grandmother, killed. He was murdered by his brother for political reasons and due to his brother’s hatred of the Catholic faith.
The life of Saint Wenceslaus demonstrates his priority of following Christ, even when offered worldly success. This is our Step 3 and 11. This is our entire program for recovery and spiritual living.
“This is the lesson we can learn from Saint Wenceslaus, who had the courage to prefer the kingdom of heaven to the enticement of worldly power. His gaze never moved away from Jesus Christ, who suffered for us, leaving us an example that we should follow in his steps” (Pope Benedict XVI, Apostolic Visit to the Czech Republic, Homily on September 28, 2009).
Reflection by Brad Farmer