31 January 2023

Memorial of Saint John Bosco, Priest

Today is the feast day of St. John Bosco, the saint of the young, especially of the young who were orphaned. John Bosco received a vision as a young child that it would be through meekness that we would conquer hearts for Christ.

In today’s reading, we hear of the great cloud of witnesses that is in heaven praying for the Church on earth. John Bosco is part of that cloud of witnesses for us here on earth. He is a witness to the spiritual power of the beatitudes, especially that of meekness, which can move hearts towards Christ. John Bosco embodied meekness, a gentleness of spirit that is formed when we are willing to be led, or willing to serve. Like a horse that is led by the bridle, John Bosco was led by Christ. This meekness of service to Christ formed in him a heart of gentleness and mercy which won over the young to God.

John Bosco is part of the cloud of saintly witnesses that are icons for us in how to live out our Christian life and the Beatitudes. Let us pray today to embody the meekness of John Bosco and of Christ in our lives. Wherever we feel resistance to letting Christ lead us and restrain us in virtue and love, let us pray for the courage of John Bosco to grow in docility to the loving and guiding hand of God in our life.