Today is the Feast Day of St. Denis. Feast days in the Church seem archaic and arcane. Perhaps that’s why I like celebrating them. They’re a reminder that our Church is ancient and mysterious and somehow still enduring.

According to legend Denis was Bishop of Paris in the third century and was martyred by beheading. He is said to have picked up his own head and walked six miles, preaching a sermon the entire way. Also, Denis is the patron saint of headache sufferers, frenzy and strife. This is not surprising considering that six-mile trek while carrying his own severed head!

Of course, I admire the “saintly” saints who prayed and fasted and gave up all worldly possessions to follow Jesus’ call, but Denis was a badass who defied his Roman persecutors! Not only was he tough but he was cool. Let’s call it grace under pressure – extreme pressure.

I keep celebrating feast days amidst the ugliness and uncertainty in our world today. When I forget that love should be my guiding principle and I refuse to accept all my sisters and brothers, I believe that I am turning my back on God.

Julian of Norwich, a 14th century mystic, wrote, “God is all that is good. God has created all that is made. God loves all that he has created. And so, anyone who, in loving God, loves all his (or her) fellow creatures.” Julian was a woman who lived during the bubonic plague and still found joy in all creation. I am comforted by the knowledge that our Church is ancient and universal and that Julian’s wisdom still speaks to me today. I am reminded that I continue to make mistakes; to exclude; to blame; to punish. I need the example of the Saints to ask for God’s forgiveness. I sometimes get weary from lugging my own head around – full of certainty and self-righteousness, but often lacking compassion.

How many times in history have we nearly undone the gift of Church that God has given us? I wish all Christians would remember that we are the Church. I believe that there is room at the table for us all. We can honor those who have come before us and thank God for the wisdom they have shared. We can pray for those who will follow us and show them that love is never a mistake.

A feast day is as good a time to do both. Jesus loves saints and sinners.

Saint Denis pray for me!

Peace,

Denis