Saint Luke, Evangelist
by VP
Posted on Friday October 18, 2024 at 12:00AM in Saints
El Greco. St. Luke
"He was bred up a physician in Antioch, and generally believed to be one of the seventy-two disciples. He wrote the Gospel, as he had received it from the apostles,
but particularly from St. Paul. He was his faithful companion in all
his persecutions; so that while many others forsook him, St. Luke did
not: Only Luke is with me. (2 Tim. iv. 11.) For this reason, he is often
commended by St. Paul in his epistles; and not only for his constancy,
but for his being a true disciple of Christ crucified: He always bore
about in his body the dying of Jesus. (2 Cor. iv. 10.) He wrote likewise the Acts of the Apostles.
History says that he was at length put to death in Achaia, whence his
relics, together with those of St. Andrew, were translated to
Constantinople, under the Emperor Constantius.
Read the Gospel, and Read the Gospel, and pray for grace to be faithful in the practice of it; and that no corrupt maxims of the world may take place of it in your heart.
Pray for the constancy of this saint, that no sort of persecution or trouble, no power of convenience or interest, may prevail on you to forsake the commandments or the creed.
Let his example teach you to be a comfort to such as are in trouble. To
be friendly to persons in power and plenty, is to be suspected of
self-love: but to be a friend to the poor and oppressed, is the effect of charity. Keep up your correspondence with these, give them no occasion of scandal, by forsaking those in their trouble, whom you have courted in their
prosperity.
Ask for grace to become a true follower of Christ crucified. Examine of what spirit you are. If you admire and follow the world, with its vanities, you have not yet learnt to be a disciple of Christ. Beseech God to protect you by his heavenly grace, and not suffer you to follow any other spirit than that of his gospel: that as it was His Holy Spirit that assisted the evangelists in writing the Gospel, the same Divine Helper may assist you also to follow it." The Catholic Year; Or Daily Lessons on the Feasts of the Church by Rev. John GOTHER
" [1] And after these things the Lord appointed also other seventy-two: and he sent them two and two before his face into every city and place whither he himself was to come. [2] And he said to them: The harvest indeed is great, but the laborers are few. Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he send laborers into his harvest. [3] Go: Behold I send you as lambs among wolves. [4] Carry neither purse, nor scrip, nor shoes; and salute no man by the way. [5] Into whatsoever house you enter, first say: Peace be to this house." Source: DouayRheims
V. Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest.
R-. That He send laborers into His harvest. (St. Luke xi 2)
Let us pray:
O Holy Ghost, Spirit of Wisdom and Divine Love, impart Thy Knowledge, Understanding and Counsel to Youth that they may know the vocation wherein they can best serve God. Give them courage and strength to follow God’s Holy Will, guide their uncertain steps, strengthen their resolutions, shield their chastity, fashion their minds, conquer their hearts, and lead them to the vineyard where they will labor in God’s holy cause.
Mary, Queen of the Clergy and Mother of all Priests and Religious, turn a merciful ear to our petition that many will dedicate themselves to thy Divine Son. Prompt them to be zealous and self-sacrificing priests, Brothers and Sisters in our beloved country and in foreign missions. Help them to bring love and knowledge of the Most Holy Trinity to souls that otherwise might be lost for eternity. Amen.
Queen of Vocations, hear our prayer!
St. Joseph, pray for us!
St. Pius X, pray for us!
St. John Vianney, pray for us!
Source: Catholic Research Resources Alliance: The Catholic Standard and Times Volume 65, number 27, 25 March 1960
For more prayers for vocations, please visit this page:
Saint Ignatius of Antioch, Bishop and Martyr
by VP
Posted on Thursday October 17, 2024 at 12:00AM in Quotes
"10. Pray also without ceasing for other men: for there is hope of repentance in them, that they may attain unto God. Let them therefore at least be instructed by your works, if they will be no other way, Be ye mild at their anger; humble at their boasting: to their blasphemies, return your prayers: to their error, your firmness in the faith: when they are cruel, be ye gentle; not endeavoring to imitate their ways: (let us be their brethren in all kindness and moderation, but let us be followers of the Lord; for who was ever more unjustly used? more destitute? more despised?) that so no herb of the devil may be found in you; but ye may remain in all holiness and sobriety both of body and spirit, in Christ Jesus.
11. The last times are come upon us: let us therefore be very reverent, and fear the long suffering of God, that it be not to us unto condemnation. For let us either fear the wrath that is to come, or let us love the grace that we at present enjoy; that by the one or other of these, we may be found in Christ Jesus, unto true life. Besides him, let nothing be worthy of you; for whom also I bear about these bonds, those spiritual jewels, in which I would to God that I might arise through your prayers: of which I entreat you to make me always partaker, that I may be found in the lot of the Christians of Ephesus, who have always agreed with the Apostles, through the power of Jesus Christ.
(...)
13. Let it be your care therefore to come more fully together, to the praise and glory of God. For when ye meet fully together in the same place, the powers of the devil are destroyed, and his mischief is dissolved by the unity of your faith. And indeed, nothing is better than peace; by which all war both spiritual and earthly, is abolished.
14. Of all which nothing is hid from you, if ye have perfect faith and charity in Christ Jesus, which are the beginning and end of life. For the beginning is faith; the end charity. And these two joined together, are of God: but all other things which concern a holy life are the consequences of these. No man professing a true faith, sinneth; neither does he who has charity, hate any. The tree is made manifest by its fruit, [Matt. xii, 33] So they who profess themselves to be Christians, are known by what they do. For Christianity is not the work of an outward profession; but shews itself in the power of faith, if a man be found faithful unto the end.
16. Do not be deceived, my brethren. Those who ruin homes will not inherit the kingdom of God. Now, if those who do this to gratify the flesh are liable to death, how much more a man who by evil doctrine ruins the faith in God, for which Jesus Christ was crucified! Such a filthy creature will go into the unquenchable fire, as will anyone that listens to him.
17.The Lord permitted myrrh to be poured on His head that He might breathe incorruption upon the Church. Do not let yourselves be anointed with the malodorous doctrine of the Prince of this world, for fear he may carry you off into captivity, away from the life that is in store for you. Why do we not all become wise, having received knowledge of God, that is Jesus Christ! Why do we perish in folly, failing to appreciate the gift which the Lord has sent us in truth!"
Source: St. Ignatius of Antioch Epistles To the Ephesians, 1946 p66St. Margaret Mary Alacoque
by VP
Posted on Thursday October 17, 2024 at 12:00AM in Saints
"The
special devotions of the Church are various and manifold. They are
suited to the character of the times and of each individual. All are
good. Some are more suited to one class of individuals than to another.
Because of the abundance of these devotions, not all may be practiced by
a single person, and each one chooses such as appeal more strongly to
his inclination and taste. "In selecting devotions we must not supplant
what is essential, nor unduly multiply what is merely accidental.”
There are two, however, which must be fostered by every priest. They are a fervent devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, and a tender affection for His Blessed Mother.The famous moralist, Father H. Noldin, says of the devotion to the Sacred Heart: "The candidate for the priesthood who understands and practices this devotion, will surely acquire the sacerdotal spirit and the characteristic virtues of the priesthood as preparation for Holy Orders. He possesses in this devotion a certain means of preserving and guarding the spirit of his calling throughout life."
From the Sacred Heart of
Jesus the seminarian imbibes that zeal for the salvation of souls which
is the keystone of a good priestly life. "Learn of Me, for I am meek and
humble of heart." Jesus wishes His future priests especially to imitate Him. In the first seminary He was the teacher. The zeal of the Apostles was kindled by the Sacred Heart. Again in His revelations to the Blessed Margaret Mary Alacoque He promised to priests who
honor His Sacred Heart, grace to convert hardened sinners. Since those
devotions, which are of benefit not only for himself but also for those
who are to receive his priestly ministrations, are best suited to the
priest, it is evident that devotion to the Sacred Heart is admirably
adapted to the aspirant to the priesthood. It inflames the heart of the
priest with burning love for God, and brings advantages for those under
his charge. "When the priest is kindled with the fire of the Sacred Heart, his people, too, will walk in a great light," says Cardinal Manning." The Seminarian, His Character and Work By Rev. Albert Rung, Diocese of Buffalo 1916
LITANY IN HONOR OF THE BLESSED MARGARET MARY ALACOQUE.
Lord, have mercy on us.
Christ, have mercy on us.
Lord, have mercy on us.
Christ, hear us: Christ, graciously hear us.
God the Father of heaven, Have mercy on us.
God the Son, Redeemer of the world, Have mercy on us.
God the Holy Ghost, Have mercy on us.
Holy Trinity, one God, Have mercy on us.
Holy Mary, Pray for us
Holy Mother of God, Pray for us
Holy Virgin of virgins, Pray for us
St John, Pray for us
St Francis of Sales, Pray for us
St Jane Frances Chantal, Pray for us
Blessed Margaret Mary, Pray for us
Pearl of great price, Pray for us
Flower of the field, Pray for us
Lily of the valleys, Pray for us
Morning rose, Pray for us
Child most dear to Mary, Pray for us
Incense of sweet odor, Pray for us
Palm of patience, Pray for us
Treasure of charity, Pray for us
Despiser of the world, Pray for us
Spouse most beloved of Christ, Pray for us
Violet of the garden of St Francis of Sales, Pray for us
Star shining in the midst of clouds, Pray for us
Rule of obedience, Pray for us
Model of mortification, Pray for us
Seraph before the altar, Pray for us
Sanctuary of the heart of Jesus, Pray for us
Delight of the heart of Jesus, Pray for us
Apostle of the heart of Jesus, Pray for us
Plaintive dove, Pray for us
Dove most beautiful, Pray for us
Rock unmoved in the midst of tempests, Pray for us
Mistress most gentle, Pray for us
Angel of holy counsel, Pray for us
Terror of demons, Pray for us
Intercessor for sinners, Pray for us
Solace of the poor, Pray for us
Relief of the sick, Pray for us
Holocaust of divine love, Pray for us
New star of the Church, Pray for us
Joy of thy holy order, Pray for us
Glory of thy people, Pray for us
Lamb of God, who takest away the sins of the world, Spare us, O Lord.
Lamb of God, who takest away the sins of the world, Hear us, O Lord.
Lamb of God, who takest away the sins of the world, Have mercy on us.
Christ, hear us: Christ, graciously hear us.
Anthem.
The kingdom of heaven is like to a merchant seeking good pearls, who, when he had found one of great price, gave all that he had and bought it.
V. Grace is poured abroad in thy lips;
R. Therefore God hath blessed thee for ever.
Prayer: O Lord Jesus Christ, who hast wonderfully revealed to the blessed Margaret, Virgin, the unsearchable riches of thy heart: grant that we, by her merits and following her example, may love thee in all things and above all things, and may be found worthy to obtain an eternal resting-place in the same thy heart.
Accept, O Lord, the offerings of thy people, and grant that we may feel the flames of that divine fire, which, issuing from the heart of thy Son, inflamed so ardently the blessed Margaret.
Grant, O Lord Jesus, that we who have received the mysteries of thy body and blood, may, through the intercession of the blessed Margaret, be made worthy to cast away the proud vanities of the world, and to put on the gentleness and humility of thy heart. The Manual of the Sacred Heart: a Select Volume of Prayer for Daily Us, 1866
St. Hedwig, WIDOW, A.D. 1243.
by VP
Posted on Wednesday October 16, 2024 at 12:00AM in Saints
"SHE was born in Moravia, piously educated, and married by her parents to Henry, duke of Poland. In this state, she acquitted herself faithfully of all her respective duties to God, her husband, and her family; making it her study in all things to please God, and to sanctify her own soul and her household. After some time, that she might more entirely give herself to God, she engaged her husband to agree to a mutual vow of perpetual continence; from which time they never met but in public places. St. Hedwig had many crosses to endure, by which she learned more bitterly to deplore the miseries and blindness of the world, and more perfectly to disengage her heart from its slavery. Whether in prosperity or adversity, her whole comfort was in God, and the exercises of religion. The simplicity which she observed in her dress, shewed that she was an enemy to all vanity. The love of dress banishes the spirit of Christ and his gospel, cherishes the root of many vices, and cannot find place in one whose conduct is regulated by a true Christian spirit. She fasted every day except Sunday and great festivals. Her tears and piety were extraordinary, when she approached to the Holy Communion; and she heard Mass with a devotion which astonished all who beheld her. After the death of her husband, she entered into a religious house of Bernardine nuns; where, in the exercise of prayer, humility, mortification, and wonderful charity, she ended her days, in the year 1243.
Here are lessons, first, for young persons not to promise themselves in marriage, without the approbation and consent of their parents. It is a state which requires great grace to go well through its duties and difficulties; and to engage unduly in it, is not the way to obtain that grace. Secondly, for married persons to be very faithful in the arduous duties of their state. Thirdly, for widows, teaching them to make use of the opportunity which God puts into their hands, of working out their salvation in all the exercises of piety and charity. Pray for all states, and be faithful in your own, whatever it be." The Catholic Year; Or Daily Lessons on the Feasts of the Church By Fr. John GOTHER
Saint Gerard Majella, Redemptorist
by VP
Posted on Wednesday October 16, 2024 at 12:00AM in Saints
"Oh, how differently did the saints act! St Gerard Majella was once wickedly calumniated in the most painful, the most humiliating manner. The calumny was such that his pure heart must have been filled with horror at the very thought of it; and it was so cunningly planned, that it was scarcely possible not to hold him guilty. Holy Communion was forbidden him; all, even his superiors, believed him guilty; and he, the saint himself, said not a single word in his own defense, but lovingly left it all to his divine Lord. "It is thy affair, dear Lord," he said. "Wilt thou that I am humbled, that I walk the path which thou hast walked, I am content." With all others he was silent, till the calumniator acknowledged his own wickedness. (...) These are heroic acts, such as saints practice; but we ought often to bring them before our mind, to shame us for not having yet taken a single step along this path, or even turned our steps towards it.
To-day, then, we will make the resolution not to excuse ourselves; but rather-for once in our lives-let blame be put upon us for something we have not done. We will consider our own advantage, and therefore not push the blame on to others either; and if it should happen that we are accused of a thing without cause, we will submit to it in silence, and think to ourselves: "I have deserved it another time, if not now!" or, "For the love of my Lord !" Lenten Meditations By Mother Mary Louis Christine Clare Fey, Imprimatur 1923
Prayer to St. Gerard Majella
St.
Gerard, true lover of Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament of the Altar, do
thou who didst kneel long hours before the tabernacle, and there didst
taste the joy of paradise, obtain for us, we pray thee, the spirit of
prayer, and an undying love for this most Holy Sacrament, that receiving
frequently the Body and Blood of Jesus we may daily grow in His Holy
Love and merit the priceless grace of loving Him even to the end.
Saint Gerard Majella's Resolutions
1. O my God, my only love, today and every day I give myself up to Thy good pleasure. In all temptations and trials I will say always: Thy will be done. All that Thou mayest ordain for me I will embrace with my whole heart, never ceasing to raise my eyes to heaven, there to adore the divine hands which cast towards me the precious pearls of Thy most holy will
2. Amongst all the virtues which are dear to Thee, O my God, that which I love with a love of predilection is holy purity. My trust is in Thee, O infinite holiness, to preserve me from any thought which might sully the brightness of my soul.
3. I will say nothing either good or bad about myself. I will attack no one in conversation, nor will I make any reference to the faults of others, even by way of a joke. I will be careful to excuse everyone, considering in my neighbor the person of Jesus Christ Himself, whom the Jews accused, notwithstanding His innocence. I will defends others, especially in their absence. If I should noting anyone committing a fault, I will be careful not to correct him in the presence of others. I will speak to him on the matter between ourselves and in a low tone of voice.
4. Never will I mix myself up with anyone else's business; I will never say that anyone has done anything badly.
5. In all interior conflicts I will be careful not to listen to self-love. If anyone blames or accuses me, I will strive to make all bitter feelings pass gently away; then tranquility will reign at the bottom of my soul.
6. My supreme resolution is to give myself unreservedly to God. For this reason I will have continually before my eyes this motto: Be thou deaf, blind, and mute. Only one thing do I desire - Thy good pleasure, O my God, and not mine own. In me, O Lord, may Thy will, not mine be done.
7. May my prayers, my communions, and all my good works be always applied for the salvation of poor sinners in union with the precious blood of Jesus Christ.
8. In visiting the Blessed Sacrament I will make the following Acts: O Lord Jesus, I believe that Thou art present in the Blessed Sacrament, and I adore Thee will all my heart. I have the intention of adoring Thee by this visit wherever Thou art present in the sacred Host, and I offer Thee Thy precious blood for poor sinners; also, I desire to receive Thee spiritually as many times as there are sanctuaries on earth in which Thou dost dwell.
9. I will have all possible veneration for priests, beholding in them Jesus Christ Himself, and striving to be penetrated with the greatness of their dignity.
10. I have obliged myself always to do that which is most perfect. By this I mean that which seems to me to be the most perfect course to take in the sight of God.
Blessed Sacrament Book by Fr. Francis X. Lasance. Life of St. Gerard Majella, by Rev. Fr. O.R. Vassall-Phillips C.SSR.
Litany of St. Gerard Majella:
Lord, have mercy on us.
Christ, have mercy on us.
Lord, have mercy on us.
Jesus, hear us. Jesus, graciously hear us.
God the Father of Heaven, Have mercy on us.
God the Son, Redeemer of the world, Have mercy on us.
God the Holy Ghost, Have mercy on us.
Holy Trinity, one God, Have mercy on us.
Holy Mary, Mother of Perpetual Help, Pray for us.
St. Joseph, foster-father of Christ, Pray for us.
St. Alphonsus, founder of the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer, Pray for us.
St. Gerard, enriched with extraordinary graces from early youth, Pray for us.
St. Gerard, perfect model of a faithful servant, Pray for us.
St. Gerard, bright pattern of the working class, Pray for us.
St. Gerard, seraph of love towards the Blessed Sacrament, Pray for us.
St. Gerard, living image of the crucified Savior, Pray for us.
St. Gerard, zealous client of the Immaculate Virgin Mary, Pray for us.
St. Gerard, bright mirror of innocence and penance, Pray for us.
St. Gerard, admirable model of heroic obedience, Pray for us.
St. Gerard, silent sufferer under ignominious calumny, Pray for us.
St. Gerard, great before God by thy deep humility, Pray for us.
St. Gerard, truly wise by thy childlike simplicity, Pray for us.
St. Gerard, supernaturally enlightened in divine mysteries, Pray for us.
St. Gerard, solely solicitous about the pleasures of God, Pray for us.
St. Gerard, indefatigably zealous for the conversion of sinners, Pray for us.
St. Gerard, wise counselor in the choice of a vocation, Pray for us.
St. Gerard, enlightened guide in the direction of souls, Pray for us.
St. Gerard, loving help of the poor and afflicted, Pray for us.
St. Gerard, wondrous patron of unbaptized children, Pray for us.
St. Gerard, compassionate intercessor in every necessity, Pray for us.
St. Gerard, honor and glory of the Order of Redemptorists, Pray for us.
Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world, Spare us, O Lord.
Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world, Gracious hear us, O Lord.
Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world, Have mercy on us.
Pray for us, Blessed Brother Gerard, That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.
LET US PRAY.
(Prayer of the Church.)
O God, who wast pleased to draw to Thyself the Blessed Gerard from his youth, and to render him conformable to the image of Thy crucified Son,
grant, we beseech Thee, that following his example we may be transformed into the self-same image. Through the same Christ Our Lord. Amen.
Manual of the Purgatorian Society: Containing Spiritual Reading and Prayers ...By Purgatorian Society
St. Teresa of Avila, Virgin, Carmelites 1582
by VP
Posted on Tuesday October 15, 2024 at 12:00AM in Saints
St. Teresa of Avila, St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church, Wake Forest, NC
"(...)
All the Discalceates of both sexes suffered great and terrible
persecutions, from the heavy accusations and violent oppositions of
almost all the brethren of the mitigated Rule, and from the Pope's
nuncio, Sega, who succeeded Hormaneto, the great favorer of the
Reformed. This new nuncio seemed to be resolved upon the ruin of the
Reformation; and hereupon began with extreme rigor to condemn, imprison
and banish those whom he conceived most likely to make resistance.(...)
As
the holy mother had a great share in this persecution, not only by the
sufferings she endured in her own person, but also by the fellow-feeling
she had for all her children, so it is not to be doubted but that the
happy issue of the whole, to God's greater glory, and the great
advancement of her Order, is in a great measure to be attributed to her
prayers." Source: The life of the Holy Mother Saint Teresa
Prayer for priests by Saint Teresa of Avila
O my Most Sweet Jesus, O Jesus, Eternal High Priest, keep Thy priests in
the shelter of Thy Sacred Heart, where no one can hurt them. Keep their
anointed hands unsullied, which daily handle Thy Sacred Body. Keep pure
the lips which are reddened with Thy Precious Blood. Keep pure and
unworldly their hearts which are sealed with the sublime token of Thy
glorious priesthood.
Cause them to grow in love and loyalty to
Thee and protect them from the contamination of the world. With their
power of transforming bread and wine, give them the power of
transforming hearts. Bless their work with rich fruit and grant them one
day the crown of eternal life. Amen. Source: Cure d'Ars Prayer Group
At the age of eighteen, she obtained leave of her father to take the habit of the Carmelite nuns; and being professed, she became an example to the rest in the exercises
of humility, patience, prayer, and 'mortification. Here God was pleased
to try her with violent temptations and tedious sickness for above
twenty years. In all which time she remitted nothing of her usual
devotions or austerities; being always accustomed to say: Either suffer, or die!
She undertook to reform the Order of the Carmelites, and bring it to its
primitive austerity; and though she met with great opposition, and many
jealousies, she accomplished her design, and saw two-and-thirty
monasteries built of this institution. Having finished this work, she endeavored to approach still nearer to God in prayer and penance;
making a vow of doing whatever she judged to be most perfect; ever
lamenting the blindness of infidels and
sinners, but above all, her own misery, in being at so great a distance
from God.
Her writings discover what her spirit was, which God was likewise pleased to evidence by many miracles; though of all these, her life was the greatest. She exchanged this for a better, in the year 1582.
Learn from this saint to accustom yourself and those under your care to the reading of good books; and to be careful in the choice of company. Good conversation edifies, but that which is evil and worldly, makes ill impressions, and corrupts the soul.
If you have youth under your charge, be still more solicitous in this
point; and never expose them to bad company on any pretext of education,
preferment, or the like.
Learn not to be discouraged with sickness, temptations, troubles, or opposition. These are often the effects of God's greatest mercy and means for the greater perfection of those who sincerely seek him. Learn to be diligent in humility, charity, prayer, and penance. Pray that you may practice these holy lessons; and pray in particular for all the religious who follow the holy institution of St. Teresa." The Catholic Year by Rev. Fr. John GOTHER
Bring back the Cloistered Nuns! (Sensus Fidelium Video)St. Callistus, Pope and Martyr A.D. 222 (16th pope)
by VP
Posted on Monday October 14, 2024 at 12:00AM in Saints
"He was bishop of Rome, under the Emperor Heliogabalus, and governed the Church five years and two months. He every way promoted exceedingly true religion and virtue, during his administration of the Church in very difficult times. The Emperor Alexander Severus who succeeded Heliogabalus, never persecuted, the Christians, but several martyrs suffered in his reign, through the implacable hatred borne to the Christians by his officers and magistrates. The apostolic labors of St. Callistus were thus crowned with martyrdom, in the year 222.
Pray for the Pope, and for all the pastors of the church; that being watchful over their flocks, they may lead all in the way of salvation.
Beg patience for all who are in troubles, and see that you be not dejected under the difficulties ordained for your portion. Humble yourself under them in the acknowledgment of your unworthiness; and confess God to be just in all his ways. Seek comfort in him who afflicts you, and pray for your persecutors. Keep your eyes on that crown, which is prepared for all who suffer with patience. By this method, your troubles may turn to much better account, than that quiet and peace which you so much desire.
Above all, be careful that your troubles hinder you not from prayer, and the exercise of other spiritual duties: for this would be yielding to the designs of your greatest enemy. But then seek God most, when you stand most in need of his help. All lawful states are capable of a religious spirit. If you make your ill circumstances your plea for neglect of religious duties, the fault is not in your circumstances, but in yourself; and if these were changed, there is too much reason to fear that you would be still the same. Patience is the best preservative of peace in all troubles; and if this proves no remedy to them, it will however crown you." The Catholic Year; Or Daily Lessons on the Feasts of the Church by Fr. John GOTHER
FRATERNAL CHARITY
by VP
Posted on Sunday October 13, 2024 at 12:00AM in Sermons
"Shouldst not thou then have had compassion also on thy fellow-servant ?"-MATT. 18. 33.
1. We are keen to obtain God's forgiveness.
2. But how different are we towards others!
3. A test of holiness is this fraternal charity.
4. God so willingly forgives, if we are kind.
We have all needed this reprimand, and most of us many a time. "Shouldst not thou then have had compassion also on thy fellow-servant?" What different kind of people we are, when asking forgiveness and when we are asked to forgive! At confession how anxious to be forgiven; shortly afterwards how harsh and unkind and fault-finding to others! We
forget God's mercy is granted to us in the same measure that we give it to others.
Little things betray the spirit of our hearts in this respect. It is no excuse that they are only little things. There is nothing that is really little, that is for God or against God. Besides, if we are resentful and bitter about small matters, how can we reasonably expect to be forgiving, kind, and charitable when we have serious reason to be hurt and offended? For the safety of our soul we have to watch small failings in this matter of fraternal charity.
Naturally we are very prone and ready to fail in charity. We are keen to notice; to think evil; to repeat and exaggerate anything against another; self-love easily takes offence, and the offence rankles, and brotherly love is ruined. Whereas, with the aid of prayer, and with the grace of God, we should constantly try to be charitable; thinking no evil; saying no unkind word; doing kindnesses even to those who have been unkind to us. Above all, to be ready to forgive from the heart whatever may have been said or done against us. In this matter we have either to mean and try to be saints, or we shall, eventually, find ourselves reprimanded and punished by our Master, Jesus Christ.
Take what the saints have done and said. The great St. Teresa prays thus: "Forgive us, O Lord, not because of our prayers and good deeds, but because we have forgiven." When Blessed Juvenal Ancina was dying, poisoned by an enemy, he not only refused to mention the name of the assassin, whom he knew well, but strictly forbade that any inquiry should be made to lead to his punishment. And St. John Gualbertus, about to kill the murderer of his brother, at the sign and mention of the Cross, forgave him from his heart. And this was the turning-point-a proud young nobleman changed into a saint.
Not only were the saints ready to forgive, but they practiced active and kindly charity amongst the poor, the sick, and the afflicted. When we read the lives of holy men we cannot help but be struck by this humble and penitential habit. Even exalted personages and profound scholars steal time from their other labors to visit hospitals and the poor in their homes. This is one of the surest marks of real holiness. And others, again, devoted their whole lives to such work and founded religious Orders to perpetuate their labors. Oh! they had compassion on their fellow-servants. Call to mind St. Vincent of Paul. Who shall ever tell all that has been done in his life and since his death, by himself and those he taught to succor human misery? Their name is legion who have followed in his footsteps. And St. Camillus, the patron of a holy death, whose holy calling it was to tend the dying, winning poor sinners over in his hospitals to repent and die in peace. These are the heroes of charity, and so many more that could be named, and whom you of yourselves will remember. Heroes of charity, who loved to tend the most loathsome diseases, and whose touch wrought so many miraculous cures. We cannot be like them heroes, but we can and must pray to have a little of their spirit of kindness and compassion.
We must be determined and ready to meet the trials of life with resignation and serenity, and being kind to others in their necessities and miseries will bring this grace to our own souls. We cannot help it; suffering is like our shadow-we cannot get away from it. But being mindful and tender towards the sufferings of others will enable us to bear our own with fortitude and hope. St. Laurence the Martyr first saw to the poor and afflicted, distributed the Church's treasures to them, and with the sign of the Cross opened the eyes of the blind; and then when roasted slowly to death, God blessed him so that the flames were like roses to him, and happily and triumphantly he died for Christ. This is how God blesses compassion and fraternal charity.
For ourselves let us take consolation from this thought: God seems blind to our failings, as long as He sees kindness to others in our hearts. He gives us Himself as an example. He was meekness itself; He went about doing good to all; He loved to be amongst the poor; and of all that were diseased, do we read of one being sent away uncured? And His blessed Mother is like to Him, as we should expect. We salute her as Queen of Heaven, but a title she loves better is "Mother of Mercy." How often have we stood in need of her pity and her help, and how often again shall we receive it, for she will ask our Lord for us, and she cannot be denied, if only she sees us striving to be to each other kind, and charitable, and merciful, and compassionate." Short Sermons on the Epistles & Gospels of the Sundays of the Year By Fr. Francis Paulinus Hickey (21rst Sunday after Pentecost)Saint Edward the Confessor: Piety and Grandeur of Soul
by VP
Posted on Sunday October 13, 2024 at 12:00AM in Saints
King Edward the Confessor, holding a ring and a sceptre. Engraving by J. Smith, 1732.
Wellcome Collection. Public Domain Mark. Source: Wellcome Collection.
"PIETY AND GRANDEUR OF SOUL.-In the estimation of worldlings the word "piety" denotes littleness of mind; but this betokens littleness of judgment on their part, for religion shows forth the contrary by illustrious examples. No man was ever more pious, mortified, chaste, and charitable than St. Edward, king of England; but side by side with these purely Christian qualities he displayed a grandeur of soul worthy of the throne. He established a wisely-planned code, which still forms the groundwork of public law in England, and organized an administration so complete that the nation seemed to govern itself as of its own free will; and he proved himself fully able to repel his enemies by armed force whenever it was found needful to engage in war. His subjects loved him like a father. Providence seemed to have singled him out to repair the disasters resulting from forty years of invasion, and to restore his country. He died in 1066, after having founded the abbey of Westminster. "Weep not," he said to his queen Editha; "I am not about to die, but am beginning to live eternally."
MORAL REFLECTION.-"The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom," and thereby "a wise man will increase his wisdom."(Prov. i. 5, 7.) Pictorial half hours with the saints. By Rev. Fr. Auguste François Lecanu
Saint Wilfrid, Bishop and Confessor, A.D. 709
by VP
Posted on Saturday October 12, 2024 at 12:29AM in Saints
St. Wilfrid, St Etheldreda's, Ely
"But as for you and your companions, you certainly sin if, having heard the decrees of the Apostolic See and of the Universal Church, and that the same is confirmed by Holy Writ, you refuse to follow them; for, though your fathers were holy, do you think that their small number, in a corner of the remotest island, is to be preferred before the Universal Church of Christ throughout the world? and if that Columba of yours (and I may say, ours also, if he was Christ's servant) was a holy man and powerful in miracles, yet could he be preferred before the most blessed prince of the apostles, to whom our Lord said, Thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build My Church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it, and to thee I will give the keys of the Kingdom of Heaven." Lives of the English Saints. St. Wilfrid, Bishop of York p35
"Saint Wilfrid was bishop of York, in the beginning of the eighth century. He consecrated his youth to Almighty God, going into the monastery of Lindisfarne, at the age of fourteen. After some years, observing some remissness there, he went to Rome, that he might be there instructed in the rules of greater perfection. Returning into England, he made some stay at Canterbury, and thence carried the rule of St. Benedict into the North, which had not yet been received in those parts. His virtue and learning recommended him to the see of York. Egfrid soon after succeeding to the crown, this prelate's constancy was not accommodated to the temper of that prince, who therefore drove him from his see. But being again admitted, he died there in peace, having labored in all the duties of a good pastor nearly fifty years.
The good seed sown in his youth appeared afterwards in a plentiful harvest. Take the same method, if you have any under your care. Season youth with good principles; for thus only can you hope to secure it against the uncertain, vain, or vicious inclinations of those years, and against the infinite snares of a treacherous and corrupt world. They who are sensible of the many dangers to which these are exposed, will find all the care that they can take little enough to prevent their going astray. Therefore as for those, whose principal solicitude is for a fashionable education, and who for accomplishing this, venture their children into the midst of corruption; it is but too evident, that they are more concerned for this world, than for the next. If they live to see their children miserable, they can only thank themselves. But how will they make reparation for their fault, when it is beyond their power? Good education and example teach children to be saints; but to bring them up to the usual vanities and follies of the world, is putting them into the broad way, even the way of hell." The Catholic Year; Or Daily Lessons on the Feasts of the Church by Rev. Fr. John GOTHER
