By Sarah Levesque (Rated G)
St. Narcissus’ origins are lost to history, but he was born at the end of the first century and was appointed as the thirtieth bishop of Jerusalem around 180AD. He was known for his many virtues and his dedication to his office. During his episcopacy, there was a year that the church ran out of lamp oil. When St. Narcissus heard of it, he requested that water be brought to him. This he prayed over, and when the water was poured into the lamps, it had become oil. Church historian Eusebius also relates the miracle that occurred when three men calumniated St. Narcissus, swearing on their lives, health and eyesight that they were telling the truth – each liar in turn met the fate he had made his oath on.
Yet despite the indignation and confidence of his parishioners, St. Narcissus took the offense to heart and chose to leave Jerusalem, becoming a hermit for many years. He eventually returned, to the astonishment and joy of his parishioners, though he only took up his office for a short time due to his advanced years. When he died, he was around 116 years old.
May we, like St. Narcissus, give our lives entirely to God, striving for virtue in everything.
LogoSophia Magazine 