Reflection for the Feast of Saint Peter Nolasco, Confessor (III Class)
Texts: 1 Corinthians 4:9–14; Luke 12:32–34
In the gentle glow of the Church’s liturgical calendar, the feast of Saint Peter Nolasco, Confessor, draws us into the paradox of Christian discipleship—a way that is at once marked by abasement in the eyes of the world and glorification before the face of God. The texts appointed for today, 1 Corinthians 4:9–14 and Luke 12:32–34, unfold this paradox with poignant clarity.
Saint Paul writes to the Corinthians:
“For I think that God hath set forth us apostles, the last, as it were men appointed to death: we are made a spectacle to the world, and to angels, and to men… We are fools for Christ’s sake.” (1 Cor. 4:9–10)
These words resound with the life and vocation of Saint Peter Nolasco, founder of the Mercedarian Order, who, driven by divine charity, gave himself over to the ransom of Christian captives, even offering himself as a hostage when needed. Truly, such a man was a “fool” in the eyes of a calculating world, yet precious and wise in the eyes of heaven.
A Spectacle to the World
Saint John Chrysostom comments on this passage by noting:
“It was a greater thing to be thought of as low and foolish by the world, yet remain true to God, than to win the world’s applause and lose one’s soul.”
(Homilies on 1 Corinthians, Homily XIII)
Indeed, Paul’s imagery is drawn from the Roman arena, where the condemned were paraded last, to die for public sport. This, he says, is the lot of the Apostles—and by extension, of all those who dare to live radically for Christ. Saint Peter Nolasco walked this path. To dedicate one’s life to redeeming those forgotten by society, to impoverish oneself for the sake of captives—this is to take up the Cross.
In verse 13, Paul writes:
“We are made as the refuse of this world, the offscouring of all, even until now.”
Such humiliation is the soil in which sanctity flowers. The Fathers are clear: the disciple must mirror the Master, who “emptied Himself, taking the form of a servant” (Phil 2:7). Saint Gregory the Great observed:
“The highest virtue is to be despised in this world for the sake of the world to come.”
(Moralia in Job, Book XXIII)
This is no mere mortification for mortification’s sake. It is the path to eternal gain.
“Fear not, little flock”
And so the Gospel appointed for this feast, from Luke 12:32–34, complements the epistle: the Apostle’s abasement is not tragic, but triumphant.
“Fear not, little flock, for it hath pleased your Father to give you the kingdom.” (Luke 12:32)
This is Christ’s tender assurance to His chosen ones. As Saint Cyril of Alexandria teaches:
“He calls them ‘little flock,’ not because they are insignificant, but because they are few and beloved, surrounded by the wolves of this world, yet protected by the Shepherd.”
(Commentary on Luke, Sermon 91)
Here, Our Lord draws the hearts of His disciples upward, toward the treasure that does not fail, “where neither thief approacheth, nor moth corrupteth.” (Luke 12:33)
Saint Peter Nolasco understood this well. He founded the Order of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Mercy under the inspiration of the Mother of God herself, to ransom the enslaved at the risk of his own life. In doing so, he obeyed the command of Christ:
“Sell what you possess and give alms.” (Luke 12:33)
He exchanged worldly security for eternal treasure. For as Our Lord declares:
“Where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” (Luke 12:34)
Saint Peter Nolasco: A Fool for Christ, a Treasure of the Church
Saint Peter’s life was an embodiment of today’s readings. In the worldly sense, he impoverished himself, endured dangers, and was “a spectacle” in the eyes of kings and merchants. Yet he was no fool—he saw with the eyes of faith.
Saint Augustine, writing of the paradox of Gospel wisdom, said:
“The wisdom of God seems folly to the world, and the wisdom of the world is folly to God.”
(De Civitate Dei, Book XI, ch. 18)
Thus, the “fool for Christ” is the true sage. Saint Peter Nolasco did not seek honor, but souls; not wealth, but mercy.
A Spiritual Exercise for the Day
Let us ask ourselves: Where is my treasure? Do I strive for a reputation in the eyes of the world, or for hidden glory in the sight of God? Am I willing to appear foolish, poor, and despised for the sake of the Gospel?
Pray today the Litany of the Saints, invoking Saint Peter Nolasco among the confessors of Christ. Ask for the grace to be detached from earthly esteem and wholly fixed upon the kingdom that shall not pass away.
And let us remember Our Lord’s words:
“Fear not, little flock…”
Though few, though mocked, though poor—we are His. And if we are His, we lack nothing.
Ora pro nobis, beate Petre Nolasc!
May he intercede for all who labor in mercy and suffer for the sake of Christ’s captives, both in body and in soul.