Pleasure in serving God
by VP
Posted on Sunday April 21, 2024 at 01:00AM in Sermons
"Rejoice in the Lord always: again I say, rejoice."— Phil. iv. 4.
"It has often been noticed, my dear brethren, and we every day come across examples of it, that when things are going well men think very little about God and about the practice of their religious duties. We may almost say that, as things are at present, most men will not perform their duty to God unless they are driven to do so by something unpleasant and hard to bear. It is when a man is taken ill that he sends for a priest and makes his confession and receives the Sacraments; as soon, however, as he gets well it is only too probable that he will return to his old ways.
Now, this shows that the service of God is felt by a great many to be a heavy burden and yoke. And I am sorry to say that this feeling is not confined to those whose passions and low propensities are so strong as to hold them down for a great part of their lives in slavery and subjection to sin and vice. Many even of those who have freed themselves for the most part from this degrading bondage seem far from the possession of that spirit of holy joy with which every one trying to serve God should be filled. Many even of these seem to find the yoke of the Lord a heavy one: and if they do not cast it off, it is chiefly because they are afraid to do so.
Now, I am not going to say a word against the service of God which springs from the fear of the Lord, which is the beginning of wisdom.” The fear of God is not merely good-it is necessary for salvation. But it is only the beginning, not the perfection of wisdom. Moreover, it should not be the habitual dominant and constant motive of our religious life it should serve as a motive to fall back upon when higher motives are not felt. As St. Ignatius says: We should ask of God the grace to fear Him, so that if and when through our faults we grow forgetful of God's love, the fear of punishment may hold us back from offending Him. In other words, we ought, as a rule, to be serving God from love and holy joy rather than from fear and dread.
This is the teaching of the Holy Scripture, and especially of the great Apostle our patron, St. Paul. The text is but a sample of similar injunctions which might be found in every one of his Epistles "Rejoice in the Lord always: again I say, rejoice." Do not be always looking upon the service of God as a heavy burden and yoke to which you must be driven as a fear of punishment, but let that service fill your souls at all times with delight and satisfaction. This is what St. Paul enjoins. Why is it not so with us? Why should it be so?
Well, there are ten thousand reasons why the service of God should be delightful and satisfactory; but I can refer to one only this morning— one, however, of which I think that we can all feel the force. As a rule, the man who is carrying on a
profitable and successful business is, so long as everything goes well,
tolerably happy. You don't see him going about with a long face, and
although he may grumble a little, as most men do, you can see that he
does not mean it. Now, if this is the case in the midst of the uncertainties which are inseparable from all human transactions, what ought to be the satisfaction and contentment of a man who has seriously taken in hand the one necessary business? For how does the case stand with such a man? The man who has seriously taken in hand the business of saving his own soul must succeed - for him
there is no such thing as failure. So long as he is willing he must be
prosperous. And why? Because he has Almighty God as a partner. And God
is ready to give him what I hope it is not irreverent to call unlimited
credit. In this life he pours into his soul His heavenly grace, and this
grace gives to all his actions a value which gives him a right to an eternal
recompense. No action from morning to night, from week's end to week's
end, but may be made profitable and fruitful, if done with a right
intention, and, of course, if there is nothing sinful in it. This is the position in which any and every man may be placed and may remain if he so wills, and of the sense and judgment of a man who is not satisfied by such terms I have but a poor opinion." Five-minute Sermons from the Paulist Fathers
St. Anselm, Arbishop of Canterbury, Confessor, A.D. 1109.
by VP
Posted on Sunday April 21, 2024 at 01:00AM in Saints
"Saint Anselm was born in Piedmont, and reclaimed from the disorders of his youth by the piety of the famous Lanfranc. By his advice, and that of the archbishop of Rouen, he became a religious, and made such advancement in all virtue, that he was soon chosen prior, and then abbot. He was all to all, by courtesy and charity, that he might find occasions of giving every one some suitable instructions to promote their salvation. Going afterwards to England to consult Lanfranc, then archbishop of Canterbury, his virtue so much recommended him to King William II., that after the death of Lanfranc, he obliged him to fill up that vacancy. His zeal however raised up so many enemies against him, and brought upon him so severe a persecution from the king, that he was forced to leave the kingdom. After three years, the king being dead, St. Anselm returned, but met with fresh opposition from the new king, Henry I. Amidst his troubles and public distractions, he often retired to his devotions, and watched long in them during the night. Leaving England to consult Pope Paschal II., he was forbidden by the king to return, unless he would comply with his unjust demands. Soon after, the king himself invited him to return; and he was received with great joy by the whole kingdom. But he survived only three years; and happily expired, laid on sackcloth and ashes, at Canterbury, in the year 1109, in the seventy-sixth of his age.
Let his eminent virtues arm you against despair in regard of those, whose disorderly youth gives you little hopes of good. God often shows his power in their conversion, and makes of them vessels of honour. Upon the same grounds despair not of yourself, whatever your present weakness be; but still continue on your endeavours for amendment, under the conduct of a director, whose prudence, piety, and patience may support you under the delays of your obstinate evil. Zeal is not only commendable, but necessary, amidst the general corruptions of the world; but if it gives up at the displeasure of men, it is not the zeal of the Gospel. He must have courage to suffer for justice and truth, who undertakes their cause." The Catholic Year by Fr. John Gother
Eighth Meditation: The Penitent's Address to God His Father. St. Anselm's book of meditations and prayers, tr. by M.R. By Saint Anselm (Archbishop of Canterbury)
(...) "Rescue me, O Lord my God, and snatch me out of the hands of my enemies; for they too are Thine, they are the subjects of Thy almighty power; and they hate nothing of good works in me except what Thou hast given me. There is nothing in me that they hate, but only that I love Thee. And they scheme with all their endeavours, with all their might, with all their craft, to prevent my loving Thee, glorifying Thee, and ever seeking Thee. Therefore let not the enemies of Thy glory be too strong for me; but let them be the more confounded as they see that I, bent on praising Thee and glorifying Thee, am seeking with all best endeavours that peace and glory of Thine, which they are intent upon diminishing."
A Prayer to Christ for my Enemies. By Saint Anselm
LORD Jesus Christ, Lord of all power and goodness, whom I pray to be gracious to my friends. Thou knowest what my heart desireth for mine enemies. For Thou, O God, who triest the very hearts and reins,Thou knowest the secrets of my heart within me. For it
is not hidden from Thee. If Thou hast sown in the soul of Thy servant
what he may offer to Thee, and if that enemy and I have sown there
likewise what is to be burned with fire, that also is before Thine eyes.
Despise
not, most gracious God, that which Thou hast sown, but cherish it and
give it increase and bring it to perfection and preserve it for ever. For as
I could begin no good thing without Thee, so can I neither finish it
nor keep it in safety except by Thy help. Judge me not, O merciful God,
according to that which displeaseth Thee in me, but take away what Thou
hast not planted, and save my soul which Thou hast created. For I cannot amend myself without Thee, because if we be good it is Thou that dost make us and not we ourselves. Neither can my soul endure Thy judgment, if Thou wilt judge her according to her wickedness. Thou therefore, O Lord, who alone art mighty, whatsoever Thou makest me to desire for mine enemies, be that Thy gift unto them, and Thine answer to my prayer. And if I at any time ask for them
anything which transgresseth the rule of love, whether through
ignorance or through infirmity or through wickedness, neither do that to
them, nor fulfil my petition therein.
Thou who art the true Light, enlighten their blindness. Thou who art supreme Truth, amend their error. Thou art the true Life, quicken their souls. For Thou hast said by Thy beloved Disciple, He that loveth not his brother, abideth in death.1 I pray therefore, O Lord, that Thou grant to them so much love of Thee and of their neighbour as Thou commandest us to have, lest they should have sin before Thee concerning their brother.
Forbid it, O good Lord, forbid it that I should be to my brethren an occasion of death, that I should be to them a stone of stumbling and rock of offence. For it is enough and more than enough that I should be an offence unto myself; mine own sin is sufficient for me. Thy servant entreateth Thee for his fellow-servants that they should not on my account offend so great and good a Master, but be reconciled to Thee, and agree with me according to Thy will for Thy sake. This is the vengeance which my inmost heart desireth to ask of Thee upon my fellow-servants, mine enemies and fellow-sinners. This is the punishment which my soul asketh upon my fellow-servants and enemies, that they should love Thee and one another, according to Thy will and as is expedient for us, so that we may satisfy our common Master both as concerning ourselves and as concerning one another and serve our common Lord in unity by the teaching of charity to the common good. This vengeance I, Thy sinful servant, pray may be prepared against all those that wish me evil and do me evil. Do Thou prepare this also, most merciful Lord, against Thy sinful servant likewise.
Come then, O my good Creator and merciful Judge, and by Thy mercy which passeth all reckoning, forgive me all my debts as I in Thy presence forgive all my debtors. And if not yet, because hitherto my spirit doth not so forgive perfectly according to Thy measure but willeth so to do and accomplisheth by Thy help what it can, doing violence to itself, this imperfect forgiveness I offer to Thee as it is, that Thou mayest be pleased perfectly to forgive me my sins and according to Thy power, be gracious unto my soul.
Hearken unto me, hearken unto me, O great and good Lord, with desire for the love of whom my soul is fain to feed herself, but cannot satisfy her hunger for Thee, to call upon whom my mouth findeth no name that sufficeth my heart. For there is no word that expresseth unto me that which by Thy grace my heart conceiveth concerning Thee. I have prayed, O Lord, as I could, but my will was greater than my power.
Hearken unto me, hearken unto me, according to Thy power, who canst do
whatsoever Thou dost will. I have prayed as one weak and sinful, hear
me, O hear me, as one mighty and merciful; and grant unto my friends and unto mine enemies not only what I have prayed, but what Thou knowest to be expedient for each
one, and agreeable to Thy will. Grant to all, both living and dead, the
help of Thy mercy; and ever hear me not according to the desires of my heart or the requests of my lips,
but as Thou knowest and willest that I ought to will and to ask, O
Saviour of the world, who with the Father and the Holy Ghost livest and
reignest God, world without end. Amen.
Patronage of St. Joseph. -Third Sunday after Easter.
by VP
Posted on Sunday April 21, 2024 at 01:00AM in Tradition
St. Joseph, Mother of Mercy, Washington, NC
"The Feast of the Patronage of St. Joseph, which a decree of the Congregation of Rites has fixed on the third Sunday after Easter, originated among the Carmelites in 1680. A general chapter of the Carmelites had already, in 1621, solemnly recognized St. Joseph as patron and father of all the order. Some churches soon adopted the Feast of the Patronage. At present, in virtue of a decree of the 10th September, it extends to all Catholicity. Among the Redemptorists and Passionists, in the Society of Mary and the Society of Jesus, it is celebrated with its own octave and office, with the double rite of first class." Devotion to Saint Joseph by Fr. Giuseppe Antonio Patrignani 1897
PRAYER
O glorious St. Joseph, to whom God has confided, as to a most loving and powerful patron, His universal Church, protect, I beseech thee, in the first place, the Sovereign Pontiff, who is the Vicar of thy Son on earth; protect also all the prelates of Holy Church, and extend thy patronage over all the faithful, that both the pastors and their sheep may enjoy eternal happiness together in heaven. Amen.
In proclaiming St. Joseph Patron of the Universal Church, the Sovereign Pontiffs seem to have wished to implicitly acknowledge the hidden but real influence which the holy Patriarch has exercised and still does exercise not only over the Church Militant, but also over the souls that are suffering in purgatory. It may be assumed that St. Joseph, through his powerful intercession, hastens the liberation of those souls. Furthermore, the patronage of St. Joseph may be said to extend in some way over the saints who reign with Christ in heaven. For there is not one who is not in some manner indebted to the holy Patriarch for the happy attainment of his eternal salvation, since to his wonderful guardianship was due the preservation of the Redeemer's life. The angels also must in some way acknowledge their dependence on the most holy spouse of Mary, since they are inferior to him in glory, and thus form, as it were, a crown for him in heaven.
But it is especially in regard to ourselves who are still paying the penalty of the transgression of our first parents in this land of exile that St. Joseph exercises with special efficacy his all-powerful patronage. The more perfect a saint is in charity, the more eager is he in praying for us poor wayfarers here below, and the more efficacious are his prayers as he stands nearer the throne of God.
St. Joseph, therefore, whose charity is surpassed by that of no other saint, his holy spouse alone being excepted, prays for us sinners oftener and with greater efficacy than does any other saint. He even anticipates our requests, interpreting our desires and presenting our needs before the Throne of divine mercy. Wherefore, to him may be applied these words spoken of Jeremias: "This is a lover of his brethren and of the people of Israel: this is he that prayeth much for the people and for all the Holy City."
As the patronage of St. Joseph extends over the entire Church, there is therefore no earthly necessity for which the holy Patriarch cannot efficaciously provide. No man on this earth can assist us in all our needs, since human mercy and power are necessarily limited. But so unbounded is the compassion which St. Joseph feels toward us, so great is his power in heaven, that his patronage is restricted neither by time nor place, and there is no manner of grace which he cannot obtain for us. His fatherly care extends to all our needs and embraces even our future wants. It seems, therefore, as if Jesus Christ Himself would say to us what Pharao once said to the Egyptians: "Go to Joseph; and do all that he shall say to you."
St. Joseph's provident care extends, then, to all the faithful who have recourse to him with confidence. He asks of God
for them whatever spiritual graces they may need to lead holy lives.
Nor does he forget to obtain for them the temporal graces necessary for
their eternal salvation. In fact, as the ancient Joseph, once in charge of the granaries of Pharao, procured food for the people of Egypt during the time of famine, so St. Joseph's solicitous care embraces the domestic needs of the faithful who trust in him and call on his help with filial confidence." Go to Joseph, Our Unfailing Protector: Considerations on the Life and Virtue ...Very Rev. By Alexis Henri Marie Lepicier, O.S.M. 1923
St. Theotimus, Bishop and Confessor, A.D. about 400.
by VP
Posted on Saturday April 20, 2024 at 01:00AM in Saints
"He was bishop of Tomes in Scythia, in the fifth century. He had been brought up to a monastic life, and lived with great frugality, eating only when necessity required it. The Huns in the vicinity of the Danube so much admired his virtue, that they called him the God of the Romans. He was a man of so great sanctity and wonderful meekness, that he seemed fitted by heaven to deal with barbarous people, like the Huns, who often gave him disturbance, and with his own flock, whose natural roughness made his charge difficult enough. He was several times assaulted, and as often miraculously delivered; God manifested the sanctity of his servant by his particular protection of him. One day as he was walking in the territory of the Huns, he met some of them, who were going by the same road to Tomes, where he resided. His companions began to cry out, and give themselves up for lost: but he dismounted from his horse, and betook himself to prayer. The barbarians passed by without even seeing him, his attendants, or their horses. As they ill-treated the Scythians by their frequent incursions, he softened their barbarous nature by giving them food and making them presents. This made one of the barbarians imagine that he was rich. He sought to take him prisoner, and having prepared a rope with a slip-knot, he leaned upon his shield, and raising his arm to throw the noose over the saint, his hand remained stretched out in the air, nor could he move it till the holy man had prayed for him.
Let the example of this
saint encourage you to be moderate in your words and actions. Roughness
and passion destroy all society, and break peace: they are proofs of a
weak mind, and a bad education. Labour to avoid them by a softer and
more gentle method, as you desire to preserve your reputation, either as
to this world, or the next. A warm
reproof may sometimes be necessary; but a moderate remonstrance will be
more to your purpose than unseasonable heats. Suspect yourself as often
as you are disturbed: deliberate, rather than follow disordered reason.
Thus governing yourself, you will be in the best disposition for governing others." The Catholic Year by Fr. John Gother
St. Alphege, Bishop and Martyr A.D. 1012.
by VP
Posted on Friday April 19, 2024 at 01:00AM in Saints
"He was born of noble and virtuous parents; but renounced the world whilst he was yet very young. He served God first in the monastery of Derhurste in Gloucestershire; but after some years, he built himself a cell in a desert place of the abbey of Bath, where he shut himself up, unknown to men, but well known to God, for whose love he made himself a voluntary martyr of penance. His eminent virtues invited many to be his followers. But some of them falling from their first fervour, contented themselves with deceiving their superior with pretended exactness, while out of his sight they took very scandalous liberties, particularly in sitting up in the night to feast and drink, and fasting in the day with the rigour of the strictest hermits. But though they imposed upon this good man; yet God's justice soon discovered their hypocrisy in the punishment of it. St. Elphege in a short time reclaimed them; and God, by the sudden death of one, opened the eyes of all the rest. See that you imitate not these unhappy men, but observe discipline exactly. It is the practice of too many to transgress it, and their glory is to deceive those under whose care they are, by unduly going abroad, and unseasonable meetings at home. Break off all such customs: for there is so much folly, injustice, and deceit in them, that they cannot fail of proving your scourge in bringing mischief upon you.
The see of Winchester
falling vacant, St. Dunstan was admonished in a vision to oblige St.
Elphege to receive episcopal consecration. After he had governed the see of Winchester twenty-two years, he was chosen archbishop of Canterbury. The Danes landing in England took the city of Canterbury, seized the holy
prelate, laid him in irons, and confined him for several months in a
filthy dungeon. He was then released, but soon after cruelly martyred in
the year 1012.
Pray for all the bishops of Christ's Church;
and in particular for him, under whose charge you are. Pray for this
nation, that God would in His mercy preserve it from atheism and
infidelity; and not let these be the punishment of its vice, but make it zealous for virtue, justice and truth." The Catholic Year by Fr. John Gother
St. Apollonius, MARTYR, A.D. 186.
by VP
Posted on Thursday April 18, 2024 at 01:00AM in Saints
"The Emperor Marcus Aurelius had persecuted the Christians from principle, being a bigoted Pagan: but his son Commodus, who succeeded him in the empire, after some time, shewed himself favourable to them. During this calm, the number of the faithful exceedingly increased, and many persons of the first rank enlisted under the banner of the cross. Of this number was Apollonius, a Roman senator. He was very well versed both in philosophy and the Holy Scriptures. In the midst of the peace, which the Church enjoyed, he was publicly accused of Christianity by one of his own slaves, named Severus. St. Apollonius was ordered to renounce his religion, as he valued his life and fortune; for though Commodus had forbidden any one to accuse the Christians, he had not repealed the former laws against them. The saint courageously rejected such terms, and obtained leave to give an account of his faith in full senate. This he did in an excellent discourse, which has not come down to our times. But it not being in the power of his brethren to overrule the law, he was beheaded; and thus sealed the truth with his blood.
Observe how far a soul goes, which is carried on by the force of truth, without any regard to present convenience, interest, honour, or life? If God ruled in your heart, and you did but look on your salvation as the great business of your life, these selfish considerations would not so often stand in the way of your best proposals. You have thoughts of being good, but have not courage to be so. In some cases, the apprehension of what the world will say; in others, the displeasure of friends; in others, the loss of some preferment or interest; in others, the fear of reproach, or retrenching of state, is a bar to the most essential duties: and the interest of the next
world gives place to this. See if this be not your guilt; if not in
great things, at least in your ordinary conduct and conversation.
Accustom yourself to greater simplicity of mind; and let not little politics carry you on, when plain dealing would be much more to your purpose. Beg this holy apologist and martyr to intercede for you." The Catholic Year by Fr. John Gother
St. Anicetus, POPE AND MARTYR, A.D. 173.
by VP
Posted on Wednesday April 17, 2024 at 01:00AM in Saints
"He was born in Syria, and succeeded St. Pius in the see of Rome, in the latter part of the reign of Antoninus Pius. He sat about eight years, from 165 to 173. He is styled a martyr in the Roman and other martyrologies. If he did not shed his blood for the faith, he at least purchased the title of martyr by great sufferings and dangers. His vigilance protected his flock from the wiles of the heretics, Valentine and Marcion, instruments whom the devil sent to Rome, seeking to corrupt the faith in the capital of the world.
Pray for the present Pope, for all prelates and pastors, and for the whole Church; that as God has promised to lead it into all truth, so by their care who watch over it, it may be delivered from all abuses and scandals. Pray for all those who are divided from it, whether by heresy or schism.
Praise and bless God for His goodness to this holy martyr. For what could nature do amidst so many difficulties, and the terrors of a
cruel death, if God had not raised it above itself, and by His grace
taught it to overcome? For this mercy to His servant, bow down, adore
and bless His name; and as you rejoice in His triumphs, let it be the subject of your joy, that God is glorified in poor creatures like ourselves. Yet while you celebrate the triumph of this martyr, pray that this solemnity may be to you an increase of God's mercy, that you may find some portion at least of that holy spirit in yourself, which you honour in His servant.
For as often as the memory of the martyrs occurs, so often you are reproached with the evidence of your own weakness; and you cannot see their courage and patience, without condemning your own great indisposition of soul, who can discover so little of that
in yourself, which you admire and honour in them. Beseech God therefore
to hear you, and by His grace to overcome your weakness, change your
unhappy temper, and bring you nearer to the happy disposition of the martyrs." The Catholic Year by Rev. Fr. John Gother
St. Encratia, VIRGIN AND Mmartyr, a.d. 303.
by VP
Posted on Tuesday April 16, 2024 at 01:00AM in Saints
"She was a holy virgin, born in Portugal; but coming with her father to Saragosa in Spain, and seeing there the great cruelty of Dacian in persecuting the Christians, she was so strongly moved with holy zeal in their behalf, that she publicly reproached him with his barbarous proceedings. Upon which he was so enraged, that he put her to all the torments that a malicious cruelty could suggest, tearing her flesh with hooks of iron, cutting off her breast, and laying open her liver and bones. He then ordered her to be thrown into prison, to die a lingering death under the corruption of her wounds. Thus she finished a glorious combat at the commencement of the fourth century.
Can you Christian, now complain of what you suffer? Your troubles are no other way great, than as your want of patience makes them so. Stand by this martyr of Christ, and compare. And yet she rejoices, while you are complaining. She casts the devil
into despair, while you are pleasing him by your fretful impatience.
Repent, ask pardon for what is past, and by your prayers and tears
prevail on Heaven to grant you a better
spirit. Grieve not at your troubles, but at your weakness: for this is
your only affliction. All others may help you on your way: this only puts you back. While you see how much the patient suffering of the martyrs
was to their advantage, you plainly see likewise how much you are a
loser by your impatience. You see how great is your indiscretion, who
being industrious in managing temporal affairs to your own interest, are
so very careless in the greater concern, as to neglect the improvement of opportunities daily offered for your salvation. You see how much you are your own enemy, in complaining of the injuries which others offer you, and at the same time doing your own soul more hurt by your impatience, than the whole world could do against you. Amend in earnest, and beg God's grace for your entire reformation." The Catholic Year by Rev. Fr. John Gother
Basilissa and Anastasia, MARTYRS, A.D. about 65.
by VP
Posted on Monday April 15, 2024 at 01:00AM in Saints
"Two noble women, who were disciples of the apostles SS. Peter and Paul at Rome. They were some of the first who suffered martyrdom. Their spirit was according to the Gospel in relieving those who suffered by the cruelty of the Emperor Nero, and comforting such as were obliged to retire. Being seized by the emperor's order, they were so little apprehensive of his threats, that they even raised his fury by defending the innocence of those whom he had put to death. Upon which he commanded their tongues and feet to be cut off, and afterwards finished their sacrifice by the sword.
Strange difference between that primitive age and this! Then it was the great solicitude of Christians to signalize themselves by their generous charity to the distressed, and to prepare for a glorious death. And now the great concern is to be remarkably vain, and to waste all that in extravagance and idleness, which should be the help of the poor. And can you Christian answer this method, that God's blessings being now multiplied to you in peace, you should be less faithful in his service? Let not your plea be in the necessity of complying with the world; for this is a necessity grounded on the love of the world; and had you the spirit of the primitive times, you would soon rank the greater part of this necessity under another head, even that of superfluity and extravagance, The only thing necessary, is to save your soul: study this point and it will soon change all your present ideas.
The martyrs gained in every way by their sufferings, but you lose by not making a good use of what
you suffer. You lose when you meet with ill-treatment from your
neighbours; laying then aside all mildness, discovering impatience, and
treating them with passion. You are losers as often as you are
contradicted or opposed, especially by those to whom you are not well affected. You are losers, when you fall under trouble or distress, or are visited with sickness, violence of pain, or loss of friends. In all this confess your weakness, and earnestly beg help of God's goodness." The Catholic Year by Rev. Fr. John Gother
SS. Tiburtius, Valerian, and Maximus, MARTYRS, A.D. 229.
by VP
Posted on Sunday April 14, 2024 at 01:00AM in Poetry
Pray for all those who suffer for their faith, or labour under any oppression or trouble, that God would give them courage and patience, support them against all dejection of spirit, and teach them to make a right use of their sufferings. Put up the same prayers for yourself.
Pray for all those who embrace the true faith, that with it they may begin a new life, follow the rules of the Gospel, and by their good example contribute to the salvation of others.
Pray for those whose quality and estates set them in a rank above their neighbours; that they may make a Christian use of all their blessings, that they may not rob their own souls or the poor, either by prodigality, or hard-heartedness; but by their moderation give good example, and by their charity learn to lay up treasures in heaven.
Pray for those who seem most obstinate against the truth; and for all oppressors and persecutors. Remember to despair of none, since you see that those who lead others to execution may come to lay down their necks on the same
block. Your virtue and patience may be a help to this; and by these you
may not only possess your own soul, but contribute to save the souls of others." The Catholic Year by Rev. John Gother.
