Caraunus sacrificed his life when he diverted a group of thugs away from his friends and disciples, and toward himself. His death, in this case, came not from remaining steadfast in his declaration of Christianity–in fact, the thugs were looking for money, not statements of belief or affiliation. Rather, Caraunus’ death came from charity, from love. For this he has been made a saint. His actions demonstrate the words attributed to Jesus Christ, specifically, “Greater love has no one but this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends” (John 15:13, NIV).

In addition to the example of love for others that Caraunus set, he also showed the green light that God offers to humans to follow their passion in what they do. Butler reports very simply that Caraunus “determined to consecrate himself entirely to the ministry of the word”–that is, Caraunus did the deciding about what work he wanted to throw himself into, which, in this case, was preaching.

Of course, if Caraunus had decided to go into a non-religious line of work, he would not be on the Saints Calendar unless he had been a Christian mason/carpenter/shepherd who was killed as a martyr for his faith. Yet, it seems thoroughly viable for anyone to be “determined to consecrate herself/himself entirely to [fill-in-the-blank].” There is something powerfully liberating and ultimately pleasing on all levels when the one who is created acknowledges the desires instilled in her or his heart by the Creator, and then says an all-out “YES” to them.

Watch out for thugs, yes. But watch out more for finding endless reasons for not pursuing one’s passions–these are sacred.