Saint Agatha (d.251)
for February 5
Saint Agatha's story is similar to the story of Saint Agnes. She was born into a wealthy family, and was well-known for her beauty. Agatha consecrated her life and her virginity to God, and rejected suitors who wished to marry her. One suitor, Quintianus, felt that he could change her mind by exposing her as a Christian in the time of the persecution under Emperor Trajan Decius. Agatha was brought before a judge, who happened to be Quintianus himself. Refusing to deny her faith, Agatha was imprisoned in a brothel. When she further refused to deny her Christian beliefs, she was imprisoned and tortured. She refused medical care for her injuries, but God gave her all of the healing and care that she needed in a vision of Saint Peter. Agatha was tortured further, and died after saying a final prayer. Saint Agatha is the patron saint of rape victims, against breast disease, and against fire, after an eruption of Mt. Etna was stilled after praying for her intercession.
Read more about Saint Agatha (d.251)
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Reflection
Saint Agatha stood firm in her faith and her promises to God. She did not falter when she was imprisoned, tortured, and ridiculed for her Christianity and her unwavering virtue. Do you stand firm in what you believe, or do you let modern society cause you to veer off course? Remember that the word of God is eternal, and not something that changes with secular norms.
Prayer
Christ, my Lord, strengthen me through your Spirit to stand up for the Gospel and to try to live it out each day, even when it is questioned by others or when others make fun of me. (Taken from “Take Ten: Daily Bible Reflections for Teens.”)
