It was uncommon for political people in history to stand up against the majority. There were many persecutors and the risk of death was too great. Saint Wenceslaus knew this but it didn’t keep him from infusing Christianity into the government of Bohemia.
The Life of Saint Wenceslaus
Saint Wenceslaus was the son of the Duke of Bohemia. His grandmother, Ludmilla, raised him as a Christian, despite his mother’s anti-Christian beliefs. Sadly, grandmother Ludmilla was later killed because of her Christian beliefs.
Most would think that Saint Wenceslaus would not be able to succeed his father’s role in the Bohemia government, but that was not what happened. Christian rivals made it possible for Wenceslaus to become the ruler of Bohemia.
In his ruling, he supported the Church. He also met with Germany to begin peace negotiations. This infuriated anti-Christians. His brother was anti-Christian like his mom. One day, his brother Boleslav invited Wenceslaus to the celebration of St. Cosmas and Damian. When Wenceslaus was on his way to Mass, his brother attacked him. In their struggle, Wenceslaus was killed by his brother’s supporters. Upon his death, Christians proclaimed him as a martyr for his faith despite opposition. He was buried and his grave is a shrine now. He is known as the patron or Saint of Bohemia.
What We Can Learn from St. Wenceslaus
What must be remembered about St. Wenceslaus is that he didn’t let that stand in his way. He knew there was a chance he would be killed for his beliefs, just as his grandmother was, but he didn’t let his faith falter. Many of us would live much closer to God if we adopted the faith St. Wenceslaus had. Many of us fear that if we stand against others, we will be punished by them. However, what happens when we stand up against God? Well, we end up turning away from Him. God has put us on Earth to help him not to go against Him. Being true to God means delivering the message He wants passed on to Earth.
