Today's Readings:
Acts 5:17-26
Ps 34:2-9
Jn 3:16-21
"God so loved the world that he gave his only-begotten Son, so that everyone who believes in him might not perish but might have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through him." Christ was sent to save us, but we must act on that faith if we wish to receive that great gift promised us through Jesus. We must put our faith into action and allow Christ to be seen through not just by our profession of faith, but by the very way we live out our lives. Have a great day and God Bless.
Prayer: Lord, help me to allow you to be seen in all my words, thoughts, and actions this day. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Saint of the Day - Blessed Lidwina
The name Lidwina means "suffering." Lidwina was from Holland. She was born in 1380 and died in 1433. When she was fifteen, Lidwina dedicated herself completely to God. She might have eventually become a nun. But in a single afternoon, her entire life was changed. The girl went skating with her friends. One of them accidentally bumped her. Lidwina fell down hard on the ice and broke a rib. She was in pain. But the fall triggered other problems, too. In the days ahead, she had severe headaches, nausea, fever, pain throughout her whole body and thirst. Crying, Lidwina told her father she could not stand the pain anymore. But the pain increased. She developed sores on her face and body. She became blind in one eye. Finally, she could no longer leave her bed. Lidwina was frustrated and bitter. Why had God let this happen to her? What did he want from her? And what could she still give to him anyway? Her parish priest, Father John, came to visit and pray with her. He helped her think of what Jesus had suffered. She began to realize the beautiful gift that she would give to Jesus: she would suffer for him. She would offer her sufferings to console him, who had suffered so much on the cross. Her suffering became a beautiful prayer to God. Little by little, Lidwina began to understand. For thirty-eight years, Lidwina suffered. It seemed impossible that she could remain alive in such serious condition. But she did. God comforted her in many ways. Lidwina was good to everyone who came to her poor little room. She prayed to God and suffered for their special intentions. They knew God would listen to Lidwina. Lidwina's special love was for Jesus in the Holy Eucharist. For many years, she seemed to live only on Holy Communion.
Reflection: Let us pray today for a heart able to appreciate the meaning of human suffering.
Saint information comes from: http://www.holyspiritinteractive.net/dailysaint/april/0414.asp
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
God's Gifts
Today's Readings:
Acts 4:32-37
Ps 93:1-2, 5
Jn 3:7-15
In our 1st reading today we see that the early Christian community shared everything with one another so that there was no one in need. Christ has given us all gifts that we are called to share. We do not have to sell all that we have, but we are called to see what we do have band how we can use that for the greater good of the community. All blessings come from Christ and are to be used in his service and in the service of each other. Today let us see what it is that Jesus is asking us to place in the service of our brothers and sisters. Have a great day and God Bless.
Prayer: Lord all good things come from you, help us to use your gifts in your service and in the service of those around us. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Saint of the Day - St. Martin
St. Martin was a priest of Rome who had a reputation for being well-educated and holy. He became pope in July, 649. When people were arguing over the truths about Jesus, Pope Martin called a meeting of bishops. This meeting was the Council of the Lateran. It explained clearly what we believe about certain truths. However, some Christians were not pleased about it. Pope Martin knew the Council's explanations were true. It was his duty as pope to teach people the truth. Some powerful men did not appreciate Pope Martin's activities. One such person was Emperor Constans II of Constantinople. He sent his soldiers to Rome to capture Martin and bring him to Constantinople. The soldiers kidnapped the pope. They took him right out of the Lateran Cathedral and snuck him onto a ship. Pope Martin got sick, but they continued their journey. In October, 653, he was put in jail in Constantinople for three months. He was given only a little food and water each day. He wasn't even allowed to wash himself. Pope Martin was put on trial, publicly humiliated and condemned to death. But then he was sent back to the same prison for three more months. Patriarch Paul of Constantinople pleaded for the pope's life. So instead of death, the pope was sentenced to be exiled. Pope Martin was put on a ship that took him across the Black Sea. In April, 654, it landed on the Russian peninsula called the Crimea. Pope Martin was shocked at the neglect he suffered from those who were in charge of his captivity. He wrote his own account of those sad days. The pope said that he felt very bad to be forgotten by his relatives and members of the Church in Rome. He knew they were afraid of the emperor. But at least, he said, they could have sent supplies of corn, oil and other basic needs. But they did not. They abandoned the pope because of fear. The pope's exile lasted two years. He died around 656. Because of his terrible sufferings, he was proclaimed a martyr. He is the last of the popes so far to be considered a martyr.
Reflection: Can I appreciate the gifts of others and be thankful for them, or do I fall into the trap of envying them?
Saint information comes from: http://www.holyspiritinteractive.net/dailysaint/april/0413.asp
Acts 4:32-37
Ps 93:1-2, 5
Jn 3:7-15
In our 1st reading today we see that the early Christian community shared everything with one another so that there was no one in need. Christ has given us all gifts that we are called to share. We do not have to sell all that we have, but we are called to see what we do have band how we can use that for the greater good of the community. All blessings come from Christ and are to be used in his service and in the service of each other. Today let us see what it is that Jesus is asking us to place in the service of our brothers and sisters. Have a great day and God Bless.
Prayer: Lord all good things come from you, help us to use your gifts in your service and in the service of those around us. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Saint of the Day - St. Martin
St. Martin was a priest of Rome who had a reputation for being well-educated and holy. He became pope in July, 649. When people were arguing over the truths about Jesus, Pope Martin called a meeting of bishops. This meeting was the Council of the Lateran. It explained clearly what we believe about certain truths. However, some Christians were not pleased about it. Pope Martin knew the Council's explanations were true. It was his duty as pope to teach people the truth. Some powerful men did not appreciate Pope Martin's activities. One such person was Emperor Constans II of Constantinople. He sent his soldiers to Rome to capture Martin and bring him to Constantinople. The soldiers kidnapped the pope. They took him right out of the Lateran Cathedral and snuck him onto a ship. Pope Martin got sick, but they continued their journey. In October, 653, he was put in jail in Constantinople for three months. He was given only a little food and water each day. He wasn't even allowed to wash himself. Pope Martin was put on trial, publicly humiliated and condemned to death. But then he was sent back to the same prison for three more months. Patriarch Paul of Constantinople pleaded for the pope's life. So instead of death, the pope was sentenced to be exiled. Pope Martin was put on a ship that took him across the Black Sea. In April, 654, it landed on the Russian peninsula called the Crimea. Pope Martin was shocked at the neglect he suffered from those who were in charge of his captivity. He wrote his own account of those sad days. The pope said that he felt very bad to be forgotten by his relatives and members of the Church in Rome. He knew they were afraid of the emperor. But at least, he said, they could have sent supplies of corn, oil and other basic needs. But they did not. They abandoned the pope because of fear. The pope's exile lasted two years. He died around 656. Because of his terrible sufferings, he was proclaimed a martyr. He is the last of the popes so far to be considered a martyr.
Reflection: Can I appreciate the gifts of others and be thankful for them, or do I fall into the trap of envying them?
Saint information comes from: http://www.holyspiritinteractive.net/dailysaint/april/0413.asp
Monday, April 12, 2010
Life in Christ
Today's Readings:
Acts 4:23-31
Ps 21:3-4, 7-9
Jn 3:1-8
Jesus states in our Gospel that we must be born from above, by water and the Spirit; through our Baptism we have done just that. The question for us now is what do we do with this new life Christ has won for us? Jesus shared our suffering through his Passion and states that if we walk with him in this life, we will be with him eternally in our life in Heaven. As we continue to celebrate the Easter season, let recommit ourselves to the life of Christ and live out our call to holiness. Have a great day and God Bless.
Prayer: Lord help us to live this day for you. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen
Saint of the Day - St. Joseph Moscati
His brother's death made a deep impression on Joseph. He asked Jesus in the Eucharist and Mary for answers. Suffering had to have a purpose. He also became convinced of the importance of expert medical care. Most important though, he realized that in this life we are journeying toward eternity. It is up to us to help people and serve them as we journey. Joseph wondered and prayed about what he should do with his life. He decided that he wanted to help cure physical pain. Joseph would become a doctor. When he was twenty three, Dr. Moscati began his service at the Hospital of the Incurables in Naples. Later he opened his own office. All patients were welcome whether they could pay or not. He would write prescriptions for poor patients, then pay for the medicine out of his own pocket. Every day was long and hard, but Dr. Moscati remained gentle and kind. He made the effort to listen carefully to his patients. He encouraged them and prayed for them. Besides being an excellent doctor, he was holy too. How did he do it? Each morning he went to Mass and spent time in prayer. Then the doctor would visit the sick poor in the slums of Naples. From there he would go to the hospital and begin his rounds. For twenty-four years, Joseph worked and prayed for his patients. He poured all his strength into his life's calling. On the afternoon of April 12, 1927, Dr. Moscati did not feel well, so he went to his office and relaxed in an arm chair. There he had a stroke and died. He was forty-seven. Dr. Joseph Moscati was proclaimed a saint by Pope John Paul II on October 25, 1987.
Reflection: St. Joseph's life was marked by selfless love for others who couldn't give anything in return. Do I know people like this to whom I could give something?
Saint information comes from: http://www.holyspiritinteractive.net/dailysaint/april/0412.asp
Acts 4:23-31
Ps 21:3-4, 7-9
Jn 3:1-8
Jesus states in our Gospel that we must be born from above, by water and the Spirit; through our Baptism we have done just that. The question for us now is what do we do with this new life Christ has won for us? Jesus shared our suffering through his Passion and states that if we walk with him in this life, we will be with him eternally in our life in Heaven. As we continue to celebrate the Easter season, let recommit ourselves to the life of Christ and live out our call to holiness. Have a great day and God Bless.
Prayer: Lord help us to live this day for you. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen
Saint of the Day - St. Joseph Moscati
His brother's death made a deep impression on Joseph. He asked Jesus in the Eucharist and Mary for answers. Suffering had to have a purpose. He also became convinced of the importance of expert medical care. Most important though, he realized that in this life we are journeying toward eternity. It is up to us to help people and serve them as we journey. Joseph wondered and prayed about what he should do with his life. He decided that he wanted to help cure physical pain. Joseph would become a doctor. When he was twenty three, Dr. Moscati began his service at the Hospital of the Incurables in Naples. Later he opened his own office. All patients were welcome whether they could pay or not. He would write prescriptions for poor patients, then pay for the medicine out of his own pocket. Every day was long and hard, but Dr. Moscati remained gentle and kind. He made the effort to listen carefully to his patients. He encouraged them and prayed for them. Besides being an excellent doctor, he was holy too. How did he do it? Each morning he went to Mass and spent time in prayer. Then the doctor would visit the sick poor in the slums of Naples. From there he would go to the hospital and begin his rounds. For twenty-four years, Joseph worked and prayed for his patients. He poured all his strength into his life's calling. On the afternoon of April 12, 1927, Dr. Moscati did not feel well, so he went to his office and relaxed in an arm chair. There he had a stroke and died. He was forty-seven. Dr. Joseph Moscati was proclaimed a saint by Pope John Paul II on October 25, 1987.
Reflection: St. Joseph's life was marked by selfless love for others who couldn't give anything in return. Do I know people like this to whom I could give something?
Saint information comes from: http://www.holyspiritinteractive.net/dailysaint/april/0412.asp
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Forgive us our sins...
Today's Readings:
Is 50:4-9
Ps 69:10,21-22,31,33-34
Mt 26:14-25
In our Gospel Judas denies being the one who is going to betray Jesus. It is much easier to deny our wrong doing than admitting it, yet it is only through facing our sinfulness that it can be overcome. As we approach the Passion of our Lord, let us bring those things that we struggle with to light of Christ and allow him to heal us. Have a great day and God Bless.
Prayer: Lord, may the flame of your love consume our sins and it brightness illumine our hearts. Amen.
Saint of the Day - Blessed Joan of Toulouse
In 1240, some Carmelite brothers from Palestine started a monastery in Toulouse, France. The great Carmelite priest, St. Simon Stock, passed through Toulouse twenty-five years later. A devout woman asked to see him. She introduced herself simply as Joan. She asked the priest earnestly, "May I be part of the Carmelite order as an associate?" St. Simon Stock was the head of the order. He had the authority to grant the woman's request. He said "yes." Joan became the first lay associate. She received the habit of the Carmelite order. In the presence of St. Simon Stock, Joan made a vow of perpetual chastity. Joan continued her quiet, simple life right in her own home. She tried to be as faithful as possible to the rules of the Carmelites for the rest of her life. Joan went to daily Mass and devotions at the Carmelite church. She filled the rest of the day with visits to the poor, the sick and the lonely. She trained the altar boys. She helped the elderly and infirm by performing useful tasks and running errands. Joan prayed with them and brightened many lives with her cheerful conversations. Blessed Joan carried a picture of the crucified Jesus in her pocket. That was her "book." Every now and then, she would pull out the picture and gaze at it. Her eyes would light up. People said that Joan read some new and wonderful lesson every time she studied the picture.
Reflection: Cheerful conversation can brighten many lives. What difference does it make to others?
Saint informaiton comes from: http://www.holyspiritinteractive.net/dailysaint/march/0331.asp
Is 50:4-9
Ps 69:10,21-22,31,33-34
Mt 26:14-25
In our Gospel Judas denies being the one who is going to betray Jesus. It is much easier to deny our wrong doing than admitting it, yet it is only through facing our sinfulness that it can be overcome. As we approach the Passion of our Lord, let us bring those things that we struggle with to light of Christ and allow him to heal us. Have a great day and God Bless.
Prayer: Lord, may the flame of your love consume our sins and it brightness illumine our hearts. Amen.
Saint of the Day - Blessed Joan of Toulouse
In 1240, some Carmelite brothers from Palestine started a monastery in Toulouse, France. The great Carmelite priest, St. Simon Stock, passed through Toulouse twenty-five years later. A devout woman asked to see him. She introduced herself simply as Joan. She asked the priest earnestly, "May I be part of the Carmelite order as an associate?" St. Simon Stock was the head of the order. He had the authority to grant the woman's request. He said "yes." Joan became the first lay associate. She received the habit of the Carmelite order. In the presence of St. Simon Stock, Joan made a vow of perpetual chastity. Joan continued her quiet, simple life right in her own home. She tried to be as faithful as possible to the rules of the Carmelites for the rest of her life. Joan went to daily Mass and devotions at the Carmelite church. She filled the rest of the day with visits to the poor, the sick and the lonely. She trained the altar boys. She helped the elderly and infirm by performing useful tasks and running errands. Joan prayed with them and brightened many lives with her cheerful conversations. Blessed Joan carried a picture of the crucified Jesus in her pocket. That was her "book." Every now and then, she would pull out the picture and gaze at it. Her eyes would light up. People said that Joan read some new and wonderful lesson every time she studied the picture.
Reflection: Cheerful conversation can brighten many lives. What difference does it make to others?
Saint informaiton comes from: http://www.holyspiritinteractive.net/dailysaint/march/0331.asp
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Call to follow Christ
Today's Readings:
Is 49:1-6
Ps 71:1-6, 15,17
Jn 13:21-33, 36-38
Jesus knew Judas was going to betray him, that Peter was going to deny him, and that the others would run away; yet he still called each of them to himself. Christ has called each of us, what we do with that call is up to us. We will fail sometimes and in those times we must be willing to admit it and return to our Lord knowing his mercy is always available to us. The call to follow Christ is a great gift we have received, as Easter approaches let us thank our God for that generosity. Have a great day and God Bless.
Prayer: Lord you call us to yourself this day, help us to always follow you where ever you may lead us. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Saint of the Day - St. John Climacus
It is believed that St. John was born in Palestine in the seventh century. He seems to have been a disciple of St. Gregory Nazianzen. He could have become a famous teacher, but he decided to serve God with his whole heart. He joined a monastery on Mount Sinai when he was sixteen. Then he went to live for forty years by himself. He spent all his time praying and reading the lives of the saints. At first, St. John was tempted by the devil. He felt all kinds of bad passions trying to make him give in and sin. But he put all his trust in Jesus and prayed harder than ever. So the temptations never made him fall into sin. In fact, he only grew holier. He became so close to God that many heard of his holiness. They came to ask him for advice. God gave St. John a wonderful gift. He was able to bring peace to people who were upset and tempted. Once a man came to him who was having terrible temptations. He asked St. John to help him and said how hard it was for him to fight these temptations. After they had prayed together, peace filled the poor man's soul. He was never again troubled with those temptations. When the saint was seventy-four years old, he was chosen abbot of Mount Sinai. He became the superior of all the monks and hermits in the country. Another abbot asked St. John to write the rules which he had lived by all his life. This way the monks could follow his example. With great humility, St. John wrote the book called The Ladder of Perfection, or The Climax of Perfection. And that is why he is called "Climacus." St. John died in 649.
Reflection: May Christ's peace take root in our hearts-planted in the unshakeable belief in his love for each one of us, regardless of our struggles or weakness.
Saint information comes from: http://www.holyspiritinteractive.net/dailysaint/march/0330.asp
Is 49:1-6
Ps 71:1-6, 15,17
Jn 13:21-33, 36-38
Jesus knew Judas was going to betray him, that Peter was going to deny him, and that the others would run away; yet he still called each of them to himself. Christ has called each of us, what we do with that call is up to us. We will fail sometimes and in those times we must be willing to admit it and return to our Lord knowing his mercy is always available to us. The call to follow Christ is a great gift we have received, as Easter approaches let us thank our God for that generosity. Have a great day and God Bless.
Prayer: Lord you call us to yourself this day, help us to always follow you where ever you may lead us. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Saint of the Day - St. John Climacus
It is believed that St. John was born in Palestine in the seventh century. He seems to have been a disciple of St. Gregory Nazianzen. He could have become a famous teacher, but he decided to serve God with his whole heart. He joined a monastery on Mount Sinai when he was sixteen. Then he went to live for forty years by himself. He spent all his time praying and reading the lives of the saints. At first, St. John was tempted by the devil. He felt all kinds of bad passions trying to make him give in and sin. But he put all his trust in Jesus and prayed harder than ever. So the temptations never made him fall into sin. In fact, he only grew holier. He became so close to God that many heard of his holiness. They came to ask him for advice. God gave St. John a wonderful gift. He was able to bring peace to people who were upset and tempted. Once a man came to him who was having terrible temptations. He asked St. John to help him and said how hard it was for him to fight these temptations. After they had prayed together, peace filled the poor man's soul. He was never again troubled with those temptations. When the saint was seventy-four years old, he was chosen abbot of Mount Sinai. He became the superior of all the monks and hermits in the country. Another abbot asked St. John to write the rules which he had lived by all his life. This way the monks could follow his example. With great humility, St. John wrote the book called The Ladder of Perfection, or The Climax of Perfection. And that is why he is called "Climacus." St. John died in 649.
Reflection: May Christ's peace take root in our hearts-planted in the unshakeable belief in his love for each one of us, regardless of our struggles or weakness.
Saint information comes from: http://www.holyspiritinteractive.net/dailysaint/march/0330.asp
Friday, March 12, 2010
Golden Rule
Today's Readings:
Hos 14:2-10
Ps 81:6-11, 14, 17
Mk 12:28-34
All of Scriptures, in fact all of our faith can be summed up in 2 lines: Love the Lord you God with all your soul, mind, & strength. And love your neighbor as yourself. Obviously this is easier said than done, yet it is what we are called to do by our professing to follow Christ. Let us recognize those places in our lives where we do this and thank God for his grace, as well as seeing those time we struggle to live out these commands and ask for our loving Father's help. Have a great day and God Bless.
Prayer: Enflame the fire of you love within me Lord, that it may become a perfect love that reaches out to all. Amen.
Saint of the Day - St. Fina (Seraphina)
Fina was born in a little Italian town called San Geminiano. Her parents had once been well off, but misfortune had left them poor. Seraphina, or Fina, as her family called her, was their daughter. Fina was pretty and lively. She had a generous nature. Each day she saved half of her dinner for someone in the town poorer than she. During the day she sewed and spun cloth to help pay the family debts. At night, she usually spent a long time praying to Jesus and Mary. When she was still quite young, her father died. Fina was struck with an illness that deformed and paralyzed her. Movement became almost impossible and Fina lay for six years on wooden planks. Pain rushed through her whole body. The only way she could bear it was to concentrate on Jesus as he was nailed to the cross. "I unite my sufferings to yours, Jesus," she would whisper. Sometimes, when the pain was horrible, she would say, "It is not my wounds but yours, O Christ, that hurt me." Fina was left alone for many hours every day because her mother had to go out to work or beg. The neighbors knew about Fina, but her sores had become so foul smelling that people made excuses for not going to visit her. Unexpectedly, Fina's mother passed away. Now the girl was left alone. Only one neighbor, her good friend Beldia, came to care for her. Beldia tried to give Fina as much attention as she could, but Fina was usually left alone. It was obvious that she could not live much longer. She refused to lose heart. Someone mentioned to her about the tremendous sufferings St. Gregory the Great had endured. Fina became devoted to him. It is said that one day, as she groaned in pain, St. Gregory appeared to her. He said kindly, "Child, on my feast day God will grant you rest." His feast day in older calendars had been celebrated on March 12, because he had died on March 12, 604. So on March 12, 1253, St. Gregory came to take Fina home to heaven.
Reflection: From St. Fina's example we come to know the power of living hope-filled lives, with trust in God's dream for each one of us.
Saint information comes from: http://www.holyspiritinteractive.net/dailysaint/march/0312.asp
Hos 14:2-10
Ps 81:6-11, 14, 17
Mk 12:28-34
All of Scriptures, in fact all of our faith can be summed up in 2 lines: Love the Lord you God with all your soul, mind, & strength. And love your neighbor as yourself. Obviously this is easier said than done, yet it is what we are called to do by our professing to follow Christ. Let us recognize those places in our lives where we do this and thank God for his grace, as well as seeing those time we struggle to live out these commands and ask for our loving Father's help. Have a great day and God Bless.
Prayer: Enflame the fire of you love within me Lord, that it may become a perfect love that reaches out to all. Amen.
Saint of the Day - St. Fina (Seraphina)
Fina was born in a little Italian town called San Geminiano. Her parents had once been well off, but misfortune had left them poor. Seraphina, or Fina, as her family called her, was their daughter. Fina was pretty and lively. She had a generous nature. Each day she saved half of her dinner for someone in the town poorer than she. During the day she sewed and spun cloth to help pay the family debts. At night, she usually spent a long time praying to Jesus and Mary. When she was still quite young, her father died. Fina was struck with an illness that deformed and paralyzed her. Movement became almost impossible and Fina lay for six years on wooden planks. Pain rushed through her whole body. The only way she could bear it was to concentrate on Jesus as he was nailed to the cross. "I unite my sufferings to yours, Jesus," she would whisper. Sometimes, when the pain was horrible, she would say, "It is not my wounds but yours, O Christ, that hurt me." Fina was left alone for many hours every day because her mother had to go out to work or beg. The neighbors knew about Fina, but her sores had become so foul smelling that people made excuses for not going to visit her. Unexpectedly, Fina's mother passed away. Now the girl was left alone. Only one neighbor, her good friend Beldia, came to care for her. Beldia tried to give Fina as much attention as she could, but Fina was usually left alone. It was obvious that she could not live much longer. She refused to lose heart. Someone mentioned to her about the tremendous sufferings St. Gregory the Great had endured. Fina became devoted to him. It is said that one day, as she groaned in pain, St. Gregory appeared to her. He said kindly, "Child, on my feast day God will grant you rest." His feast day in older calendars had been celebrated on March 12, because he had died on March 12, 604. So on March 12, 1253, St. Gregory came to take Fina home to heaven.
Reflection: From St. Fina's example we come to know the power of living hope-filled lives, with trust in God's dream for each one of us.
Saint information comes from: http://www.holyspiritinteractive.net/dailysaint/march/0312.asp
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Living our Faith
Today's Readings:
Is 1:10, 16-20
Ps 50:16-17,21,23
Mt 23:1-12
Saying 'I believe' and living that faith out are two very different things. Jesus admonishes the scribes & Pharisees because they preached the law but did not live it out in their own lives. Being a Christian is much more than a proclamation of faith, it is a way of life. As we journey into this season of Lent, let ask ourselves where it is we need to work on living out our faith more in action and not just in word. Have a great day and God Bless
Prayer: Preach the Gospel at all times, and only when necessary use words.- St. Francis of Assisi Lord help me to do just that this day and every day. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Saint of the Day - Blessed Charles the Good
Count Charles of Flanders, was called "the good" by the people of his kingdom. They named him for what they found him to truly be. He was the son of St. Canute, king of Denmark. Charles was just five years old when his father was murdered in 1086. When Charles grew up, he married a good young woman named Margaret. Charles was a mild and fair ruler. The people trusted him and his laws. He tried to be an example of what he expected the people to be. Some nobles accused Charles of unjustly favoring the poor over the rich. He answered kindly, "It is because I am so aware of the needs of the poor and the pride of the rich." The poor of his realm were fed daily at his castles. Charles ordered the abundant planting of crops so that the people would have plenty to eat at reasonable prices. Some wealthy men tried to hoard grain to sell at very high prices. Charles the Good found out and forced them to sell immediately and at fair prices. An influential father and his sons had been reprimanded by Charles for their violent tactics. They joined the little group of enemies who now wanted to kill him. The count walked every morning barefoot to Mass and arrived early at the Church of St. Donatian. He did this in a spirit of penance. He longed to deepen his own spiritual life with God. His enemies knew that he walked to church and also that he prayed often alone before Mass. Many people who loved Charles feared for his life. They warned him that his walks to St. Donatian could lead to his death. He replied, "We are always in the middle of dangers, but we belong to God." One morning, as he prayed alone before the statue of Mary, his attackers killed him. Charles was martyred in 1127.
Reflection: "We are always in the middle of dangers, but we belong to God."
Saint information comes from: http://www.holyspiritinteractive.net/dailysaint/march/0302.asp
Is 1:10, 16-20
Ps 50:16-17,21,23
Mt 23:1-12
Saying 'I believe' and living that faith out are two very different things. Jesus admonishes the scribes & Pharisees because they preached the law but did not live it out in their own lives. Being a Christian is much more than a proclamation of faith, it is a way of life. As we journey into this season of Lent, let ask ourselves where it is we need to work on living out our faith more in action and not just in word. Have a great day and God Bless
Prayer: Preach the Gospel at all times, and only when necessary use words.- St. Francis of Assisi Lord help me to do just that this day and every day. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Saint of the Day - Blessed Charles the Good
Count Charles of Flanders, was called "the good" by the people of his kingdom. They named him for what they found him to truly be. He was the son of St. Canute, king of Denmark. Charles was just five years old when his father was murdered in 1086. When Charles grew up, he married a good young woman named Margaret. Charles was a mild and fair ruler. The people trusted him and his laws. He tried to be an example of what he expected the people to be. Some nobles accused Charles of unjustly favoring the poor over the rich. He answered kindly, "It is because I am so aware of the needs of the poor and the pride of the rich." The poor of his realm were fed daily at his castles. Charles ordered the abundant planting of crops so that the people would have plenty to eat at reasonable prices. Some wealthy men tried to hoard grain to sell at very high prices. Charles the Good found out and forced them to sell immediately and at fair prices. An influential father and his sons had been reprimanded by Charles for their violent tactics. They joined the little group of enemies who now wanted to kill him. The count walked every morning barefoot to Mass and arrived early at the Church of St. Donatian. He did this in a spirit of penance. He longed to deepen his own spiritual life with God. His enemies knew that he walked to church and also that he prayed often alone before Mass. Many people who loved Charles feared for his life. They warned him that his walks to St. Donatian could lead to his death. He replied, "We are always in the middle of dangers, but we belong to God." One morning, as he prayed alone before the statue of Mary, his attackers killed him. Charles was martyred in 1127.
Reflection: "We are always in the middle of dangers, but we belong to God."
Saint information comes from: http://www.holyspiritinteractive.net/dailysaint/march/0302.asp
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