Today is the memorial of St. George. Born in 280 A.D., he is the patron saint of England. However, St. George is best known for the Golden Legend, which is the slaying of a dragon and saving the maiden from harm.
A version of the legend goes that in a city in North Africa, there was a body of water inhabited by a dragon. In order to appease the dragon, the townspeople offered said dragon two sheep per day. Some versions indicate that the town ran out of sheep, while other legends state the ritual changed to include a sheep and a child. In either case, eventually, this became the fate of the king’s daughter. She was to sacrifice herself for the protection of the town. While she prepared to offer herself, George passed by and killed the dragon with a single strike from his lance. That gesture is symbolic of faith triumphing over evil.
While the legend is romantic and chivalrous, St. George’s death is horrific and tragic. He was martyred by Diocletian when he professed his faith in God and renounced Roman deities. Before his torture and beheading, George gave all his possessions to the poor.
Because of Georges’ valiant behavior (fighting evil, protecting, women, generosity to the poor, deep faith, etc.), he became quite popular in Europe in the 10th Century. During the Crusades, St. George was transformed into a holy warrior. King Richard I of England (“the Lionheart”) invoked him as the protector of soldiers and in 1348, King Edward III established the Order of the Knights of St. George.
Still, St. George is most associated with dragons and dragons are the stuff of fairy tales. C.K. Chesterton presents a different view by stating, “Fairy tales do not tell children the dragons exist. Children already know that dragons exist. Fairy tales tell children the dragons can be killed.” St. George provides a shining example that dragons can be defeated.
“Fairy tales do not tell children the dragons exist. Children already know that dragons exist. Fairy tales tell children the dragons can be killed.”
– C.K. Chesterton
Fr. Michael gave a great homily about this at mass this morning, thus inspiring me to reflect. Do dragons exist? Yes, dragons do exist. But what are dragons? Dragons can be anything with which you struggle, like fear, depression, anxiety, grief, anger, frustration, or sadness. Your dragons might look like illness, pain, and suffering. Perhaps your dragons are breathing the fire of hatred and mistrust, or deception and pride. Our dragons can embody the seven deadly sins of pride, greed, wrath, envy, lust, gluttony, and sloth.
We all have dragons, multiple dragons. Some of us might even have a Hydra that torments us. When we cut off one head and think we have triumphed, that head grows back, and it is worse than before. St. George should inspire us to fight our dragons, to not lose hope, to trust, and have faith in God. St. George does teach that the dragons can be destroyed. But we cannot destroy those dragons alone. We must ask God for help.
Today, trust God, ask Him for help, and slay the dragon. And today, please pray for me and I will continue to pray for you.
Tattoos, Motorcycles, Beer, Bourbon and Faith 