Christ our Teacher

Today's Readings:
Is 48:17-19
Ps 1:1-4, 6
Mt 11:16-19

Our 1st reading reminds us that the Lord is our first and most important teacher. If we follow him, then everything else falls into place. Yet in order to listen and follow our God, we must first learn how to hear him. There is so much noise in our world today that it is hard to find a silent moment to simply just be with our God; still we have to find that time if we wish to grow in our relationship with Christ. As we continue our journey through Advent and await the coming of Jesus, let us find some time to be still before our God so we can hear what he wishes to teach us this day. Have a great day and God Bless.
Prayer: Lord, teach us to be still so that we may see you more clearly in our lives. We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Saint of the Day - St. Damasus 1
Damasus was born in Rome and lived in the fourth century-exciting times for the Church. He was a priest who was generous and self-sacrificing. When Pope Liberius died in 366, Damasus became the pope. He faced many grave difficulties. There was a false pope named Felix. He and his followers persecuted Damasus. They lied about him, especially about his personal moral life. The pope had to stand trial before the Roman authorities. He was proved innocent, but he suffered very much through it all. His great friend, St. Jerome, spoke emphatically for the virtue of this pope. And Jerome had high standards. Pope Damasus realized that the city clergy were living too wealthy a lifestyle. The country priests were much more austere. Damasus asked the priests to simplify their lifestyles and not to accumulate money and possessions. He set a wonderful example himself. There were also many false teachings during his time as pope. Damasus explained the true faith. He also called the Second Ecumenical Council which was held in Constantinople. Pope Damasus greatly encouraged love of the scriptures. He assigned St. Jerome to translate the Bible into Latin. He also changed the official language of the liturgy from Greek-except for the Kyrie-to Latin. Pope St. Damasus died at the age of about eighty on December 11, 384. He was buried with his mother and sister in a little chapel he had built.
Reflection: Pope Damasus suffered much from false accusations. How often do I give others the benefit of the doubt?

Saint information comes from: http://www.holyspiritinteractive.net/dailysaint/december/1211.asp