Blessed Franz Jägerstätter
Enduring opposition.
Following Christ, Franz endured the opposition of friends, family, even Church officials when he resisted the Nazi regime. His witness calls to mind Paul’s words, “Let us go to him, outside the camp, bearing the insult he bore. For here we have no lasting city; we are seeking one which is to come.” - Hebrew 13: 13-14
Disregarding human respect.
He is an example for us to persevere even when many Catholic laity, as well as some bishops, priests and religious have let themselves become moral relativists by condoning such things as homosexual relationships that are monogamous, as well as contraception, and other immoral acts contemporary secular society endorses. Of course, being a conscientious objector under an unlawful military regime, he stands out especially as a model for Catholics who oppose unjust wars of aggression.
Witness to hope.
“Just as the man who thinks only of this world does everything possible to make life here easier and better, so must we, too, who believe in the eternal kingdom, risk everything in order to receive a great reward there. Just as those who believe in National Socialism tell themselves that their struggle is for survival, so must we, too, convince ourselves that our struggle is for the eternal kingdom. But with this difference: We need no rifles or pistols for our battle, but instead, spiritual weapons—and the foremost among these is prayer. . . . Through prayer, we constantly implore new grace from God, since without God’s help and grace it would be impossible for us to preserve the Faith and be true to His commandments. . . . Let us love our enemies, bless those who curse us, pray for those who persecute us. For love will conquer and will endure for all eternity. And happy are they who live and die in God’s love.” - Blessed Franz Jagerstatter
August 9 is the memorial of Blessed Franz, member of the Third Order of St. Francis, husband and father.
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