Today's Readings:
2 Jn 4-9
Ps 119:1-2, 10-11, 17-18
Lk 17:26-37
A person asked one of the saints once "what would you do if you knew Jesus was to return in glory the next day?" The response was "I hopefully would not change a thing..." We do not know when Jesus will return so we are called to always be vigilant by doing the very thing we are doing now - doing our best to fulfill whatever vocation we have been called to, being faithful to prayer, and giving glory to God in all that we do and say. This day let us continue to do this, so that no matter when Christ comes again, we will always be ready. Have a great day and God Bless.
Saint of the Day - St. Lawrence O'Toole
Lawrence was born in Ireland in 1128. He was the son of a chief. When he was only ten years old, a neighboring king made a raid on his father's territory and carried him away. The boy suffered for two years. Then his father forced the king to give him up to the care of a bishop. When he did, Lawrence's father hurried to see his son. He gratefully brought him home. The chief wanted one of his sons to enter the service of the Church. While he was wondering which one it might be, Lawrence told him with a laugh that he need not wonder anymore. "It is my desire," said Lawrence, "to have for my inheritance the service of God in the Church." So his father took him by the hand and gave him into the care of the bishop. Lawrence became a priest and the abbot of a great monastery. Once food became very scarce in the whole neighborhood of the monastery. The good abbot gave great quantities away to keep the people from starving. He had many problems to handle as head of the monastery, too. Some of the monks criticized him for being too strict. But Lawrence kept right on guiding the community in the way of self-sacrifice, despite the criticism. Then, there was the problem of the robbers and outlaws who lived in the nearby hills. Yet nothing discouraged the fearless Lawrence O'Toole. He became so famous that before long he was chosen to be archbishop of Dublin. In this new position, he lived as holy a life as ever. Every day, he invited many poor people to be his guests. He helped many others besides. Lawrence dearly loved his people and Ireland, his country, and he did all he could to keep it at peace. Once a madman attacked him as he was going up to the altar to say Mass. He was knocked to the floor unconscious. Yet he came to his senses right away. He had the wound washed at once, and then went right ahead with the Mass. After years of labor for the Church, St. Lawrence O'Toole became very ill. When he was asked if he wanted to make a will, the holy archbishop smiled. He answered, "God knows that I don't have a penny in the world." He had long ago given everything he had to others, just as he had given himself completely to God. St. Lawrence O'Toole died on November 14, 1180. He was proclaimed a saint by Pope Honorius III in 1225.
Reflection: St. Lawrence knew the importance of standing firm in doing what is right, even in the face of criticism.
Saint of the day information comes from: http://www.holyspiritinteractive.net/dailysaint/november/1114.asp
Friday, November 14, 2008
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Rejoice with God
Today's Readings:
Titus 2:1-7
Ps 23:1-6
Lk 17:11-19
In today's Gospel reading we see only one of ten lepers whom Jesus cures, come back to thank him. So often we think of God when we are in need, but when things are going well, God is sometimes the first thing we forget. Jesus is reminding us that yes he wants us to come to him when we are in need, but he also wants us to come to him other times as well. He wants to help us in our struggles, rejoice with us in our triumphs, and be with us always. Today let us ensure that regardless of what is going on in our life, that we always make sure our Lord Jesus is apart of our day. God Bless and have a great day.
Saint of the Day - St. Josaphat. Bishop & Martyr
Josaphat was born in the Ukraine and baptized John in 1580. He became a monk in the order of St. Basil and chose the name Basil. He was a self-sacrificing, brave man. Because of his many natural qualities, he was chosen for leadership roles. This would eventually cost him his life. Josaphat became an apostle of ecumenism. He preached union among the Christian churches of the Ukraine. There were three main categories of Christians: the Latin Church united with the pope, the Orthodox Greek Church and the Greek Catholic Church. Josaphat became a bishop and took over the diocese of Polotsk in 1617. He spent the next ten years helping the people know and love their Catholic faith better. He organized celebrations of prayer and religion classes. He called clergy meetings and worked with the priests to put into effect rules that helped the people live closer to Jesus. Archbishop Josaphat had great positive influence on people. He was a dynamic leader. For this, some people feared him. They stirred up a mob against him. Josaphat was murdered. His body was thrown into a local river. Josaphat died on November 12, 1623. He was proclaimed a saint by Pope Pius IX in 1867.
Reflection: Let us pray today for the unity of all Christians, an ideal that was so close to the heart of this saint
Saint information comes from http://www.holyspiritinteractive.net/dailysaint/november/1112.asp
Titus 2:1-7
Ps 23:1-6
Lk 17:11-19
In today's Gospel reading we see only one of ten lepers whom Jesus cures, come back to thank him. So often we think of God when we are in need, but when things are going well, God is sometimes the first thing we forget. Jesus is reminding us that yes he wants us to come to him when we are in need, but he also wants us to come to him other times as well. He wants to help us in our struggles, rejoice with us in our triumphs, and be with us always. Today let us ensure that regardless of what is going on in our life, that we always make sure our Lord Jesus is apart of our day. God Bless and have a great day.
Saint of the Day - St. Josaphat. Bishop & Martyr
Josaphat was born in the Ukraine and baptized John in 1580. He became a monk in the order of St. Basil and chose the name Basil. He was a self-sacrificing, brave man. Because of his many natural qualities, he was chosen for leadership roles. This would eventually cost him his life. Josaphat became an apostle of ecumenism. He preached union among the Christian churches of the Ukraine. There were three main categories of Christians: the Latin Church united with the pope, the Orthodox Greek Church and the Greek Catholic Church. Josaphat became a bishop and took over the diocese of Polotsk in 1617. He spent the next ten years helping the people know and love their Catholic faith better. He organized celebrations of prayer and religion classes. He called clergy meetings and worked with the priests to put into effect rules that helped the people live closer to Jesus. Archbishop Josaphat had great positive influence on people. He was a dynamic leader. For this, some people feared him. They stirred up a mob against him. Josaphat was murdered. His body was thrown into a local river. Josaphat died on November 12, 1623. He was proclaimed a saint by Pope Pius IX in 1867.
Reflection: Let us pray today for the unity of all Christians, an ideal that was so close to the heart of this saint
Saint information comes from http://www.holyspiritinteractive.net/dailysaint/november/1112.asp
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Christian Duty
Today's Readings:
Titus 2:1-8, 11-14
Ps 37:3-4, 18, 23, 27, 29
Lk 17:7-10
St. Paul in our reading today reminds us how as a Christian people, our actions and words must reflect our beliefs. Christ then goes on to tell us that this is what is expected of us and not to pride ourselves on it. We should be proud of our Christian faith and we should be proud that we live it out day by day, but we cannot however allow this pride to over-shadow the fact that if we want to claim to be a Christian, it is our duty to then act out our faith in our lives. Today let us thank the Lord for his gift of faith in our lives and truly strive to live out that faith daily. God Bless and have a great day.
Saint of the Day - St. Martin of Tours
This soldier saint lived in the fourth century. He joined the Roman army in Italy when he was only fifteen. Although his parents were pagans, he began to study the Christian religion. Those who study the Christian religion are called catechumens until they are baptized. One very cold winter day, Martin and his companions came upon a beggar at the gate of the city of Amiens. The man's only clothes were nothing but rags and he was shaking with cold. The other soldiers passed by him, but Martin felt that it was up to him to help the beggar. Having nothing with him, he drew his sword and cut his long cloak in half. Some laughed at his funny appearance as he gave one half to the beggar. Others felt ashamed of their own selfishness. That night, Jesus appeared to Martin. He was wearing the half of the cloak that Martin had given away. "Martin, still a catechumen, has covered me with this garment," Jesus said. Right after this wonderful event, St. Martin went to be baptized. A few years later, the saint left the army. He became a disciple of St. Hilary, the bishop of Poitiers, France. Because of his strong opposition to the Arian heretics in various cities, Martin had to go into exile. But he was happy to live in the wilderness with other monks. When the people of Tours asked for him as their bishop, he refused. The people would not give up, however. They got him to come to the city to visit a sick person. Once he was there, they took him to the church. As bishop of Tours, St. Martin did all he could to rid France of paganism. He prayed, he worked, he preached everywhere. Our Lord let Martin know when his death was near. As soon as his followers heard of it, they began to weep. They begged him not to leave them. So the saint prayed: "Lord, if your people need me yet, I will not refuse the work. Your will be done." He was still laboring for the Divine Master in a far-off part of his diocese when death finally came in 397. St. Martin's tomb became one of the most famous shrines in all of Europe.
Reflection: As he lay dying, Martin expressed his lasting desire to serve others: "Lord, if your people still need me, I am ready for the task; your will be done."
Titus 2:1-8, 11-14
Ps 37:3-4, 18, 23, 27, 29
Lk 17:7-10
St. Paul in our reading today reminds us how as a Christian people, our actions and words must reflect our beliefs. Christ then goes on to tell us that this is what is expected of us and not to pride ourselves on it. We should be proud of our Christian faith and we should be proud that we live it out day by day, but we cannot however allow this pride to over-shadow the fact that if we want to claim to be a Christian, it is our duty to then act out our faith in our lives. Today let us thank the Lord for his gift of faith in our lives and truly strive to live out that faith daily. God Bless and have a great day.
Saint of the Day - St. Martin of Tours
This soldier saint lived in the fourth century. He joined the Roman army in Italy when he was only fifteen. Although his parents were pagans, he began to study the Christian religion. Those who study the Christian religion are called catechumens until they are baptized. One very cold winter day, Martin and his companions came upon a beggar at the gate of the city of Amiens. The man's only clothes were nothing but rags and he was shaking with cold. The other soldiers passed by him, but Martin felt that it was up to him to help the beggar. Having nothing with him, he drew his sword and cut his long cloak in half. Some laughed at his funny appearance as he gave one half to the beggar. Others felt ashamed of their own selfishness. That night, Jesus appeared to Martin. He was wearing the half of the cloak that Martin had given away. "Martin, still a catechumen, has covered me with this garment," Jesus said. Right after this wonderful event, St. Martin went to be baptized. A few years later, the saint left the army. He became a disciple of St. Hilary, the bishop of Poitiers, France. Because of his strong opposition to the Arian heretics in various cities, Martin had to go into exile. But he was happy to live in the wilderness with other monks. When the people of Tours asked for him as their bishop, he refused. The people would not give up, however. They got him to come to the city to visit a sick person. Once he was there, they took him to the church. As bishop of Tours, St. Martin did all he could to rid France of paganism. He prayed, he worked, he preached everywhere. Our Lord let Martin know when his death was near. As soon as his followers heard of it, they began to weep. They begged him not to leave them. So the saint prayed: "Lord, if your people need me yet, I will not refuse the work. Your will be done." He was still laboring for the Divine Master in a far-off part of his diocese when death finally came in 397. St. Martin's tomb became one of the most famous shrines in all of Europe.
Reflection: As he lay dying, Martin expressed his lasting desire to serve others: "Lord, if your people still need me, I am ready for the task; your will be done."
Friday, November 7, 2008
Life with God
Today's Readings:
Phil 3:17-4:1
Ps 122:1-5
Lk 16:1-8
St. Paul reminds us this morning that our life here is only temporary, what we await is our new life with God that is never ending. This does not mean it does no matter what we do, but rather that all we do should lead us closer to our Lord now so that our eternal life is assured. This life is temporary, the life to come is eternal; let us prepare for that life now by honoring our God in all that we do and say. Have a great day and God Bless.
Saint of the Day - St. Willibrord
Willibrord was born in England in 658. He was educated for many years at an Irish monastery. Most of his life he was a missionary in lands which today are Germany, Holland, Luxemburg and Denmark. He had long had a great desire to preach the Gospel to the nonbelievers of those countries. At last, his dream came true. With the encouragement of the pope, who made him a bishop, St. Willibrord led many people to accept Christianity. The king of the Franks, Pepin, also cooperated with Willibrord. One very stubborn king made it hard for the saint. This was Rodbod, king of Upper Friesland. At one time the missionary's ship was driven onto an island which the pagans of Denmark and Friesland (a province in the north Netherlands) considered sacred to their god. No one was permitted to kill any animal on it. They could not eat any vegetable or fruit that grew there, or draw from its spring, unless in complete silence. To show them that their god did not exist, St. Willibrord killed some game to provide food for his companions. He also baptized three persons in the spring. Hearing him pronounce the words, "I baptize you" loudly, the pagans felt sure he would drop dead. Of course, nothing happened. King Rodbod was told of this event and he ordered that one of the Christians should die to "calm the god's anger." So it was that one became a martyr. After this king died, St. Willibrord eagerly went ahead converting many nonbelievers. Although he was growing very old, nothing could stop this apostle. He was still a fine-looking man, cheerful, wise, devout. He was full of love and concern for people right to the end of his life. Bishop Willibrord died in 739.
Reflection: This saint was especially dedicated to the Truth. In our prayer today, we might consider ways that we could live more genuinely in the Truth.
Phil 3:17-4:1
Ps 122:1-5
Lk 16:1-8
St. Paul reminds us this morning that our life here is only temporary, what we await is our new life with God that is never ending. This does not mean it does no matter what we do, but rather that all we do should lead us closer to our Lord now so that our eternal life is assured. This life is temporary, the life to come is eternal; let us prepare for that life now by honoring our God in all that we do and say. Have a great day and God Bless.
Saint of the Day - St. Willibrord
Willibrord was born in England in 658. He was educated for many years at an Irish monastery. Most of his life he was a missionary in lands which today are Germany, Holland, Luxemburg and Denmark. He had long had a great desire to preach the Gospel to the nonbelievers of those countries. At last, his dream came true. With the encouragement of the pope, who made him a bishop, St. Willibrord led many people to accept Christianity. The king of the Franks, Pepin, also cooperated with Willibrord. One very stubborn king made it hard for the saint. This was Rodbod, king of Upper Friesland. At one time the missionary's ship was driven onto an island which the pagans of Denmark and Friesland (a province in the north Netherlands) considered sacred to their god. No one was permitted to kill any animal on it. They could not eat any vegetable or fruit that grew there, or draw from its spring, unless in complete silence. To show them that their god did not exist, St. Willibrord killed some game to provide food for his companions. He also baptized three persons in the spring. Hearing him pronounce the words, "I baptize you" loudly, the pagans felt sure he would drop dead. Of course, nothing happened. King Rodbod was told of this event and he ordered that one of the Christians should die to "calm the god's anger." So it was that one became a martyr. After this king died, St. Willibrord eagerly went ahead converting many nonbelievers. Although he was growing very old, nothing could stop this apostle. He was still a fine-looking man, cheerful, wise, devout. He was full of love and concern for people right to the end of his life. Bishop Willibrord died in 739.
Reflection: This saint was especially dedicated to the Truth. In our prayer today, we might consider ways that we could live more genuinely in the Truth.
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
God As Source of All Love
Today's Readings:
Phil 2:12-18
Ps 27:1, 4. 13-14
Lk 14:25-33
In our Gospel we hear Christ saying: “If anyone comes to me without hating his father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, and even his own life, he cannot be my disciple..." Christ is not telling us we should not love our families or friends, but rather we must first love God, then those other Christ has put into our lives. God is the source of all love and if we do not know him first, then we can not know truly know how to love anyone or even ourselves. Today let us put Christ first and all him to share his love with us, so that we in turn can share that same love with all those we meet. Have a great day and God Bless.
Saint of the Day - St. Bertilla
Bertilla lived in the seventh century. The first biography of her life appeared in Latin in the year 800. She was born in Soissons, France. While a teenager, she felt the call to grow closer to God. She began to realize that the life of prayer and sacrifice that she wanted could be found in a monastery. She went to her bishop, St. Ouen, and asked his advice. He encouraged her to follow her calling. Her parents sent her to a monastery of nuns who followed the rule of an Irish monk, St. Columban. When she arrived, she knew that she had found peace. Years passed. Bertilla spent her time praying and doing different tasks. She was especially good at offering hospitality to travelers and the sick who came to the monastery. She also cared for the children who were being educated at the monastery. St. Bathildis, the wife of King Clovis II, started a new monastery. She asked the abbess at Soissons to send some nuns to begin the community. Bertilla was among those chosen and she was appointed the abbess. She was very surprised, but decided to do the best she could. She knew that the Lord would help her in every way. The community of nuns grew. Queen Bathildis herself became a nun after her husband died. Then, another queen, Hereswitha, widow of the king of the East Angles, became a nun, too. Abbess Bertilla must have been amazed to have two queens in her community. But everyone lived in peace because the queens were as humble as the abbess. Bertilla lived a long life and ruled the monastery of Chelles for forty-six years. She died around the year 705.
Reflection: Let us pray today for a heart open and ready to follow wherever the Spirit may lead us.
Phil 2:12-18
Ps 27:1, 4. 13-14
Lk 14:25-33
In our Gospel we hear Christ saying: “If anyone comes to me without hating his father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, and even his own life, he cannot be my disciple..." Christ is not telling us we should not love our families or friends, but rather we must first love God, then those other Christ has put into our lives. God is the source of all love and if we do not know him first, then we can not know truly know how to love anyone or even ourselves. Today let us put Christ first and all him to share his love with us, so that we in turn can share that same love with all those we meet. Have a great day and God Bless.
Saint of the Day - St. Bertilla
Bertilla lived in the seventh century. The first biography of her life appeared in Latin in the year 800. She was born in Soissons, France. While a teenager, she felt the call to grow closer to God. She began to realize that the life of prayer and sacrifice that she wanted could be found in a monastery. She went to her bishop, St. Ouen, and asked his advice. He encouraged her to follow her calling. Her parents sent her to a monastery of nuns who followed the rule of an Irish monk, St. Columban. When she arrived, she knew that she had found peace. Years passed. Bertilla spent her time praying and doing different tasks. She was especially good at offering hospitality to travelers and the sick who came to the monastery. She also cared for the children who were being educated at the monastery. St. Bathildis, the wife of King Clovis II, started a new monastery. She asked the abbess at Soissons to send some nuns to begin the community. Bertilla was among those chosen and she was appointed the abbess. She was very surprised, but decided to do the best she could. She knew that the Lord would help her in every way. The community of nuns grew. Queen Bathildis herself became a nun after her husband died. Then, another queen, Hereswitha, widow of the king of the East Angles, became a nun, too. Abbess Bertilla must have been amazed to have two queens in her community. But everyone lived in peace because the queens were as humble as the abbess. Bertilla lived a long life and ruled the monastery of Chelles for forty-six years. She died around the year 705.
Reflection: Let us pray today for a heart open and ready to follow wherever the Spirit may lead us.
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
Christ's Invitation
Today's Readings
Phil 2:5-11
Ps 22:26-32
Lk 14:15-24
In our Gospel we see people offering excuses as to why they can not attend the wedding feast they were invited to. Christ uses this example for us to remind us that we to have been invited to a feast, the feast of the Lord's table, the question is, how are we going to respond? We can make excuses as to why we are to busy, but are we really to busy for one who made the time to sacrifice his only Son on the cross for our salvation? Today let us truly listen to God's invitation to each one of us, so that when we are called, we might respond with the only answer we can possibly give - "Yes Lord, your servant is listening..." God Bless and have a great day.
Saint of the Day - St. Charles Borromeo
Charles lived in the sixteenth century. He was the son of a rich Italian count. Like other wealthy young men, he went to the University of Pavia. Unlike many of them, however, he would have nothing to do with sinful activities. He seemed to be a slow student because he was not a good speaker, but he really made good progress. He was only twenty-three when his uncle, Pope Pius IV, gave him many important duties. Charles managed to handle all his affairs well. He was always afraid that he might stray from God because of the many temptations around him. For this reason, he was careful to deny himself many pleasures and to make the effort to be humble and patient. As a priest and later the cardinal archbishop of Milan, St. Charles was a model for his people. He gave away great amounts of money to the poor. He had only one shabby cassock (long black habit) to his name. In public, though, he dressed as a cardinal should. He attended with great care to the dignity and respect owed to Church ceremonies. In Milan the people had many bad practices and much superstition. By wise laws, by gentle kindness and by his own marvelous example, St. Charles made his diocese a model for the whole Church. He was never a good speaker-people could barely hear him-yet his words took effect. When a terrible disease caused many deaths in Milan, Cardinal Borromeo thought of nothing else but caring for his people. He prayed and did penance. He organized crews of attendants and went into debt to feed the hungry. He even had altars set up in the streets. This was for the benefit of the sick who could assist at Mass from their windows. This great man was never too busy to help simple people. He once stayed with a little shepherd boy until he had taught him the Our Father and the Hail Mary. As he lay dying at the age of forty-six, St. Charles said peacefully, "Behold, I come!" He died on November 3, 1584, and was proclaimed a saint by Pope Paul V in 1610.
Reflection: "This is the way we can easily overcome the countless difficulties we have to face day after day, which, after all, are part of our work. In meditation we find the strength to bring Christ to birth in ourselves and in others."
Phil 2:5-11
Ps 22:26-32
Lk 14:15-24
In our Gospel we see people offering excuses as to why they can not attend the wedding feast they were invited to. Christ uses this example for us to remind us that we to have been invited to a feast, the feast of the Lord's table, the question is, how are we going to respond? We can make excuses as to why we are to busy, but are we really to busy for one who made the time to sacrifice his only Son on the cross for our salvation? Today let us truly listen to God's invitation to each one of us, so that when we are called, we might respond with the only answer we can possibly give - "Yes Lord, your servant is listening..." God Bless and have a great day.
Saint of the Day - St. Charles Borromeo
Charles lived in the sixteenth century. He was the son of a rich Italian count. Like other wealthy young men, he went to the University of Pavia. Unlike many of them, however, he would have nothing to do with sinful activities. He seemed to be a slow student because he was not a good speaker, but he really made good progress. He was only twenty-three when his uncle, Pope Pius IV, gave him many important duties. Charles managed to handle all his affairs well. He was always afraid that he might stray from God because of the many temptations around him. For this reason, he was careful to deny himself many pleasures and to make the effort to be humble and patient. As a priest and later the cardinal archbishop of Milan, St. Charles was a model for his people. He gave away great amounts of money to the poor. He had only one shabby cassock (long black habit) to his name. In public, though, he dressed as a cardinal should. He attended with great care to the dignity and respect owed to Church ceremonies. In Milan the people had many bad practices and much superstition. By wise laws, by gentle kindness and by his own marvelous example, St. Charles made his diocese a model for the whole Church. He was never a good speaker-people could barely hear him-yet his words took effect. When a terrible disease caused many deaths in Milan, Cardinal Borromeo thought of nothing else but caring for his people. He prayed and did penance. He organized crews of attendants and went into debt to feed the hungry. He even had altars set up in the streets. This was for the benefit of the sick who could assist at Mass from their windows. This great man was never too busy to help simple people. He once stayed with a little shepherd boy until he had taught him the Our Father and the Hail Mary. As he lay dying at the age of forty-six, St. Charles said peacefully, "Behold, I come!" He died on November 3, 1584, and was proclaimed a saint by Pope Paul V in 1610.
Reflection: "This is the way we can easily overcome the countless difficulties we have to face day after day, which, after all, are part of our work. In meditation we find the strength to bring Christ to birth in ourselves and in others."
Monday, November 3, 2008
Humility
Today's Readings
Phil 2:1-4
Ps 131:1-3
Elk 14:12-14
The theme that runs through our readings today is one of humility, the virtue that makes all other virtues possible. If we can not humble ourselves, then we run the risk of missing out on allowing other virtues to grow within us as well. The opposite of humility is pride, which is the main source of our sinfulness. Today let us ask our Lord and God to fill us with humility so that we may truly live virtuous lives. Have a great day and God Bless.
Saint of the Day - St. Marin De Porres
Martin was born in Lima, Peru, in 1579. His father was a knight from Spain. His mother was a freed slave from Panama. His father at first left Martin and his mother and sister alone in Peru. They were very, very poor. Martin grew up good and devout. He was sent to learn the trade of a barber. He also learned how to cure many diseases according to the practices of those days. Martin's father finally decided to take care of his son's education. However, Martin wanted to give himself to God as a Dominican brother. Brother Martin soon proved to be a wonderful religious. No one was kinder or more obedient or holy. Before long, he began to work miracles, too. He cured so many sick people that everyone in the city of Lima would send for Brother Martin when there was sickness. He would go to them all, blacks and whites alike. He loved all people as his brothers and sisters in Christ. Great sums of money were given to this good, lovable Brother for his charities. People recognized how well he could organize works of charity. Not even animals were forgotten by this kind-hearted saint. He excused the comings and goings of rats and mice by saying, "The poor little things don't have enough to eat." In his sister's house, he kept a "home for wandering cats and dogs." Despite his fame in Lima, St. Martin always had a very humble opinion of himself. His name for himself was, in fact, "Brother Broom." Martin died on November 3, 1639. When he died, this beloved saint was carried to his tomb by bishops and noblemen. They wanted to honor the humble and holy brother. He was proclaimed a saint by Pope John XXIII in 1962. Reflection: The love of Martin extended to everyone around him, without exception, and embraced all of creation. How would my life be changed if I were to see the face of Jesus in my brothers and sisters?
Phil 2:1-4
Ps 131:1-3
Elk 14:12-14
The theme that runs through our readings today is one of humility, the virtue that makes all other virtues possible. If we can not humble ourselves, then we run the risk of missing out on allowing other virtues to grow within us as well. The opposite of humility is pride, which is the main source of our sinfulness. Today let us ask our Lord and God to fill us with humility so that we may truly live virtuous lives. Have a great day and God Bless.
Saint of the Day - St. Marin De Porres
Martin was born in Lima, Peru, in 1579. His father was a knight from Spain. His mother was a freed slave from Panama. His father at first left Martin and his mother and sister alone in Peru. They were very, very poor. Martin grew up good and devout. He was sent to learn the trade of a barber. He also learned how to cure many diseases according to the practices of those days. Martin's father finally decided to take care of his son's education. However, Martin wanted to give himself to God as a Dominican brother. Brother Martin soon proved to be a wonderful religious. No one was kinder or more obedient or holy. Before long, he began to work miracles, too. He cured so many sick people that everyone in the city of Lima would send for Brother Martin when there was sickness. He would go to them all, blacks and whites alike. He loved all people as his brothers and sisters in Christ. Great sums of money were given to this good, lovable Brother for his charities. People recognized how well he could organize works of charity. Not even animals were forgotten by this kind-hearted saint. He excused the comings and goings of rats and mice by saying, "The poor little things don't have enough to eat." In his sister's house, he kept a "home for wandering cats and dogs." Despite his fame in Lima, St. Martin always had a very humble opinion of himself. His name for himself was, in fact, "Brother Broom." Martin died on November 3, 1639. When he died, this beloved saint was carried to his tomb by bishops and noblemen. They wanted to honor the humble and holy brother. He was proclaimed a saint by Pope John XXIII in 1962. Reflection: The love of Martin extended to everyone around him, without exception, and embraced all of creation. How would my life be changed if I were to see the face of Jesus in my brothers and sisters?
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