Some saints inspire us by their miracles, some by their words, but St. Sebastian touches our hearts by his courage to suffer, to love, and to die for Christ.
He was young. He had a future filled with honour, comfort, and promise. Yet, when the world asked him to be silent about his faith, he chose faithfulness over fear. When he was saved the first time, he could have easily walked away and lived a quiet life. But he did not. He returned to proclaim the Good News, because he knew why he was sent. Pierced by arrows, wounded and rejected, he still did not give up on God or on people.
This challenges us deeply today. Are we, the youth, ready to give up our lives for Jesus? Are we ready to die for Christ? Looking at what is happening around the world in the name of religion, it may not be long before we witness history repeating itself. The question remains how strong are we to stand firm and fight back, not with violence, but with faith, for
the love of Christ? In a time when many young people are afraid to speak, afraid to stand alone, and afraid of being judged, St. Sebastian reminds us that faith is not about convenience, but conviction. His life teaches us that being strong does not mean being unhurt or physically fighting back; it means choosing God even when it
hurts.
May his life awaken something deep within us: the courage to remain honest, the strength to stand for what is right, and the faith to rise again when life wounds us. Let us pray that through the intercession of St. Sebastian, we, the youth, may grow not only in talent and success, but in faith, courage, and love, becoming living witnesses of Christ in today’s broken world.
Savion Fernandes, Catechist