Saint Challenge Response #2: St. George

We're back with the Guest Reflections on Saints that are awesome!  This is from my friend Sam.  Thank you Sam! Also, if you have a reflection on the saint, you can be a guest!  Share how the Saints have been an influence to you! 

"I once heard it said that we tell children fairy tales not so that they believe that dragons are real, but that they can be defeated. Indeed as demonstrated by St. George, dragons can be defeated.  One of the most famous and identifiable images of St. George is of him slaying a dragon. There have been many pious legends over the years about St. George confronting and defeating a serpent or dragon figure. Their 100% accuracy is doubtful (though it would be cool!) but they offer us some interesting imagery. This is namely that Christ uses His saints to share in His own triumph over evil.

Even though there are a lot of pious legends associated with St. George, there are some known things about his life. St. George lived in the late 3^rd century – early 4^th century and was a devout Christian in the Roman Empire. In his adulthood he enlisted in the Roman Army near Nicomedia (in Asia Minor). When a persecution of the Christians broke out, George spoke out against it and confessed his Christian faith. He was put to death according to tradition on April 23, 303 in Nicomedia under the reign of the Emperor Diocletian. 

What is inspiring about St. George, like all Christian martyrs, is the bravery to stand up for Christ in the midst of all the tribulation. We Christians today are constantly challenged in this world that opposes our faith more and more to still stand for Christ. It is not easy but we can look to figures like St. George to show us that God will help us stand if we have faith. Then we will be able to do as Jesus said to “trample on the heads of snakes and scorpions” (Luke 10:19) – or in this case, our dragons.

What makes a saint is someone how is willing to give themselves to Christ no matter how much opposition they are dealing with just as the holy George did. The Church gives St. George the title of “Great-martyr” and is one of the most highly venerated saints in both Eastern and Western Christianity with many patronages. His feast day is April 23rd. So all I can say is St. George, pray to God for us."