God's Gifts

Today's Readings:
Acts 5:34-42
Ps 27:1, 4, 13-14
Jn 6:1-15

Our Gospel today recounts the multiplication of the fish and loaves, a story we hear in the other Gospels as well; though it is only in John's account of the story that we find a child bringing forth this small gift. In the other Gospels, the bread and fish just appear, but in John they are brought be a young boy. It is through that small gift that Christ is able to create a great miracle and feed the large crowd. We should never withhold our gifts thinking they are not worthy or are useless, God can and does great things even with the smallest showing of love. Today let us place the gifts God has given us at the service of his people so that he may work miracles through our generosity. Have a great day and God Bless.
Father, we can do nothing without you, but with you all things are possible. Help us today to place the gifts we have received at the service of your people so that through us, you may be made known to all. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Saint of the Day - St. Fidelis of Sigmaringen
This saint's name was Mark Rey. He was born in Germany in 1578. Mark went to the famous University of Freigburg to become a lawyer. Even as a student, he likes to visit the sick and the poor. He spent time praying daily. His brother chose to be a Capuchin Franciscan priest. Mark, instead, finished his studies and became a famous lawyer. Mark often took on the cases of poor people who had no money to pay. This won him the nickname, "The Poor Man's Lawyer." Because he was very honest, Mark became disgusted with the dishonesty of the law courts. He decided top follow his brother and become a priest. He received his religious habit and took the name Fidelis, which means "faithful." Father Fidelis was filled with joy when he was assigned to Switzerland there were many enemies of the Catholic faith. Father Fidelis wanted to win these people back to the Church. His preaching brought wonderful results. Many people were converted. Enemies of the Church grew angry at his success. St. Fidelis admitted that his life was in danger, yet he went right on preaching. In the middle of a sermon one day, a shot was fired, but the bullet missed. Father Fidelis knew he had to leave the town at once. He did, but as he was walking down the road to the next town, a mob of angry men stopped him. They ordered the priest to give up the Catholic religion. St. Fidelis said firmly, "I will not give up the Catholic faith." The men pounced on him with their clubs and crude tools. The wounded priest pulled himself up to a kneeling position. He prayed: "Lord, forgive my enemies. They do not know what they are doing. Lord Jesus, have mercy on me! Holy Mary, my Mother, help me!" The men attacked him again until they were certain he was dead. St. Fidelis died a martyr in 1622 at the age of forty-four. Pope Benedict XIV proclaimed him a saint in 1746.
Reflection: Do I believe that God uses me in a unique way to bring others closer to him?

Saint information comes from: http://www.holyspiritinteractive.net/dailysaint/april/0424.asp