June 5, St. Boniface

Teach me your ways, O Lord.-- Psalm 25:4

Mass readings: 2 Timothy 2:8-15 / Mark 12:28-34

The Perseverance of a Saint

A Benedictine monk at Exeter, England, Boniface (c. 680-754) could have pursued a life of holiness in peace and solitude. Such was not the vocation God had for him. Instead, he became the ''Apostle of Germany,'' where he replaced pagan shrines with churches and monasteries. One time in Saxony, Boniface stripped to the waist, took up an axe, and chopped down a large oak that the local tribe revered as a god. Many converted to Boniface's stronger God. Very late in his life, some suggested he retire to a monastery. Instead, he began a new mission in Holland, where, along with many converts, he was martyred.

Boniface lived the two great commandments. He believed what Paul wrote to Timothy about God's faithfulness: ''if we persevere we shall also reign with him.''

Prayer: Lord Jesus, grant us the grace we need to persevere until death.