Liturgical Context: Feria V infra Hebdomadam Septuagesimæ, III Classis ~ Commemoration of S. Agathæ Virginis et Martyris
As the violet vestments of Septuagesima veil the sanctuary in mourning and anticipation, and the Gloria and Alleluia fall silent, the Church calls us inward, to examine the soul’s condition in light of eternity. On this Thursday, while we commemorate the heroic constancy of St. Agatha, virgin and martyr, our readings draw us into the mystery of divine wisdom hidden in weakness, and of chastity embraced for the Kingdom.
“Consider your calling, brethren…” (1 Cor. 1:26)
St. Paul exhorts the Corinthians to remember who they were before grace found them—not wise, powerful, or noble, but foolish, weak, and lowly by the world’s standards. Yet it is precisely such as these whom God chooses, that “no flesh should glory in His sight.”
The paradox of divine election is the hallmark of the saints, especially the martyrs and virgins like St. Agatha. She was a young woman of noble birth, yet what gave her glory was not her station but her fidelity to Christ amid brutal persecution. As St. John Chrysostom teaches, “God shows His power through what is weak, and confounds the strong by what is base… that the glory might redound to God alone.” (Hom. IV in I Cor.)
In St. Agatha, we see the living embodiment of this truth. Her virginity, once considered a private adornment, became a public testimony. When she refused the governor’s impure solicitations and offered herself to Christ alone, her body was broken but her spirit stood triumphant. She belongs to that “foolish” and “weak” class the world despises, yet through her, the wisdom of God is revealed.
As St. Ambrose wrote: “What could be greater than a virgin who suffers martyrdom? She is both a sacrifice and a priest. She offers to God the immaculate temple of her body and the whole burnt offering of her faith.” (De Virginibus, I.2.5)
“Not all can receive this word, but only those to whom it is given…” (Matt. 19:11)
In today’s Gospel, Our Lord responds to the Pharisees’ question about divorce by reaffirming the original unity of man and woman: “What God hath joined together, let no man put asunder.” But beyond the defense of indissoluble marriage, He introduces the evangelical counsel of celibacy: “There are eunuchs who have made themselves eunuchs for the Kingdom of Heaven.”
This is no ordinary calling. It is a grace given, not to all, but to those chosen. It is, as Origen notes, “a high and glorious way, but one not lightly to be undertaken except by those strengthened by divine help.” (Commentary on Matthew, XIV)
St. Agatha is among those who received this “word.” She spurned the worldly offer of marriage and pleasure, not out of disdain for marriage—which Christ sanctified—but out of love for a higher Spouse. She made herself a “eunuch” for the sake of the Kingdom, dedicating her body and soul to Christ in virginity.
The Church venerates such virgins with a special liturgical dignity. As St. Augustine notes, “Virginity is not commanded, but it is counseled. Marriage is good, but virginity is better.” (De Sancta Virginitate, 10) And in this season, as we move toward Lent, the Church holds before us the example of the martyrs and consecrated virgins as living icons of what it means to be crucified with Christ.
The Inversion of Values and the Triumph of Grace
The readings today turn our worldly assumptions upside down. Strength is found in weakness; honor in humiliation; wisdom in divine foolishness. The Church’s martyrs, and especially her virgin-martyrs like Agatha, bear witness to this radical inversion.
She is victorious not because she wielded power, but because she submitted to the Cross. Her body was crushed, her name defamed, yet now she is raised in glory with Christ. “Let him who boasts, boast in the Lord.” (1 Cor. 1:31)
And in this hidden boast—the quiet triumph of grace in the lowly soul—the Church finds her true glory.
Prayer
O glorious St. Agatha, steadfast virgin and triumphant martyr, intercede for us who walk in the shadow of this world’s wisdom. May your constancy inspire us to seek the things that are above, and to embrace our own calling, whether in holy matrimony or consecrated celibacy, with hearts made strong by divine grace. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.