The Standard of Forgiveness

Today's Readings:
Rom 2:1-11
Ps 62:2-3. 6-7, 9
Lk 11:42-46

St. Paul in our 1st reading reminds us that the standard we use to judge others, is the same standard with which we will be judged. When we pray the Our Father we say "forgive us as we forgive others..." God is just yet also merciful; we are called to show that same mercy that we were first shown, to those whom we come into contact with. We do not overlook wrong-doing but at the same time, we look to God so that we may not judge to harshly as well. Today let us as our Father in Heaven who has been very merciful with us, to teach us to practice that same mercy in our lives with others. Have a great day and God Bless.
Prayer: Lord, just as you forgive us, help us to learn to forgive others so that your mercy and love may shine through all that we do. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Saint of the Day - St. Callistus I
This great pope and martyr lived in the first part of the third century. He was once a young slave in Rome, who got into serious trouble. His master, a Christian, had put him in charge of a bank. Somehow, Callistus lost the money deposited with him by other Christians. In fear, he ran away from Rome. He was caught, after jumping into the sea to try to get away. His sentence was a terrible one: he was chained and put to hard labor in a mill. From this punishment Callistus was released, only because his creditors hoped he could get some of their money back. But once again he was arrested, this time for having gotten into a fight. He was sent to the mines of Sardinia. When the emperor freed all the Christians who had been condemned to those mines, Callistus was freed, too. From that time on, things began to go better for him. Pope St. Zephrinus came to know and trust the freed slave. He placed him in charge of the public Christian cemetery in Rome. This cemetery is now named after St. Callistus himself. Many popes were buried in it. Callistus proved himself worthy of the pope's confidence in him. St. Zephrinus not only ordained him a priest, but also made him his friend and advisor. Later on, St. Callistus himself became pope. Some people complained because he showed too much mercy to sinners. However, the holy pope ruled that even murderers could be admitted to communion after they had done penance for their sin. This great pope always defended the true doctrine of Jesus. He ended his life in 222 with a glorious martyrdom.
Reflection: The life of St. Callistus can remind us that God can choose anyone to do his work-we only need to have faith in his power.

Saint information comes from: http://www.holyspiritinteractive.net/dailysaint/october/1014.asp