Today in the little book In Caelo et in Terra, we read about St Adalbert of Prague. During the first part of his life, even as he became a priest, he didn't take his spiritual life seriously. He chased fun and pleasure. But then his bishop told him that he regretted not living a holier and more pious life as the bishop was dying, and this sobered up Adalbert.
Adalbert then became Bishop in his place. The people in Prague were happy that he became bishop because they thought he'd continue to pursue fun and pleasure, but he had other ideas. As he started making reforms in the church toward greater holiness, he started facing opposition. He eventually had to flee. Then he returned for another try, but had to leave again. The third time he had a plan - if he was rejected this time, he would stay in the area as a missionary. This is what he did, but he was caught by the people and suspected as a Polish spy (he had fled to Poland in the meantime) and was killed at the young age of 41. You can read more about him here.
Kind of a strange story, right? Not something you'd make up. But it's a good story. St Adalbert saw the emptiness of his ways and made a change, long before it was too late. He learned from the mistakes of someone else - which it takes great wisdom to do! And he died as a martyr, trying to help his people come closer to God. Now he's a saint.
God, thanks for giving us this strange lesson of learning from other's mistakes. St Adalbert of Prague, pray for us.
1 comment:
Great story. It's not easy to learn from the mistakes of others, when you are the type of person who has to learn from their own mistakes.
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