Even into the last century the words "Bishop" and "Martyr" are often tied together. It is not easy to be a bishop today, and extremely difficult to be a faithful bishop. And Boniface was just that.
A Benedictine monk, was sent as a missionary to what is today the Rhineland, Bavaria, and west Germany. His primary role was the reform of the Christian communities in this region and outreach to the pagan Germanic tribes. In 748 he became Bishop of this region, and spent his time in preaching and evangelization. His establishment of several Christian communities in this area, including a monastery at Fulda, provided for a foundation of strong faith in this place.
In a letter to his people Boniface reflects, "Let us wait upon God's strengthening aid, let us stand fast for what is right, let us preach the whole of God's plan to the powerful and to the humble, to rich and to poor..." To be sure there was a real zeal about Boniface, and as the Collect states today, he was loyal to his faith.
I think that sometimes we can be too much like persons posing for holy cards in respect to our faith. I had a Pastor that had suggested the communion song at First Communion should be, "That Magic Moment." Anne Dillard's reflection of Christians rings true. If we believe what we profess we should be wearing crash helmets and wearing life preservers. It is good to know about God, but we have to feel and possess God in our hearts too.
Boniface tread-ed on many toes throughout his journeys and in his preaching. Like many who proclaimed the Gospel to the pagans, unbelievers, and truly evil people, Boniface was murdered by marauding tribes. But his life and efforts had a great impact on many in that locality. His faithfulness was a living witness to the cross, and an invitation to remain faithful.
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