AS THE FATHER COMMANDED

GOOD MORNING AND HAVE A NICE DAY.

READY

READY

Families often celebrate special days and holidays with traditions that have been passed down from generation to generation. Attempting to keep prior traditions consistent for both families, a young couple travelled to the home of each of their parents for the holidays. However, the situation was particularly complicated at Christmas. Each set of parents went to church on Christmas Eve and opened presents on Christmas morning. The young couple couldn’t be at two different places at the same time. Hurt feelings always seemed to be the result of their good intentions to honour their families’ traditions.

In order to help this young couple, one of the families expressed a willingness to change some of their time-honoured customs. After some experimentation, they discovered that some of their traditions were important enough to keep the same, while others could be changed or dropped altogether. They even added some new activities for their holiday celebrations.

By allowing God into every area of our lives, we demonstrate our willingness to change, allowing him free rein to remove our character defects. This readiness requires our ultimate surrender and involves some pain and resistance. Some of our old habits can stay the same, other coping mechanisms can be changed and still other behaviours must be dropped completely. Such nonproductive, habitual behaviours can be replaced with new and better activities. For example, instead of devoting time to our old hang-ups, compulsions and obsessions, we can attend recovery meetings and church activities and volunteer for service.

 Most, if not all, of us, would be more than willing to leave behind certain character defects. The sooner the better. But let’s face it: Some defects are hard to give up. An alcoholic may hit bottom and be ready to stop drinking. But is she ready to stop lying? To stop being greedy? To let go of resentments? These defects of character have been with us for a long time. Like weeds in a garden, they’ve developed roots. We’ve formed our defects of character, our hang-ups and habits over periods of ten, twenty, thirty or more years. 

We need to remember that sin is the symptom of a character defect. That sin is like a weed in a garden: It will keep reappearing unless it’s pulled out by the roots—the actual character defect that caused the particular sin or allowed it to happen. A sex addict’s major sin may have been cheating on his wife. That was the act. The defect of character was his lack of a positive self-image. 

God is amazingly patient. He didn’t impose his will on us but waited for us to invite him in. Now, we need to be willing to let God into every area of our life. He won’t come in and clean up an area unless we invite him in.

It has been said that “willingness is the key that goes into the lock and opens the door that allows God to begin to remove your character defects.” Psalm 143:10 invites, “Teach me to do your will, for you are my God; may your good Spirit lead me on level ground.”

Take a Look:

• What are some character defects you’re more than ready to give up?

• What are some character defects that will be harder for you to let go of?

• Can you explain the difference, specifically, between your character defects and your sins?

• In Psalm 143:10, what does “level ground” mean to you?

Biography of Blessed Mariano de Jesus Eues Hoyos

Blessed Mariano de Jesus Eues Hoyos

Also known as

Padre Marianito

Profile

Eldest son of a religious rural Colombian family in a time when the state was hostile to the Church. From age 16 he wanted to become a priest; he entered the new Medellin Seminary at age 24 and was ordained in 1872. Worked in the parishes of San Pedro and Yarumel, and in 1878 he was assigned as priest to Angostura, Colombia where he spent the rest of his life.

Mariano had a great love for the poor, especially rural labourers. His preaching was simple and effective, his time spent ministering to the spiritual and social needs of his flock, and the people who knew him considered him a saint in life. However, his parish was in an area beset by civil war, and neither side seemed sympathetic to the Church; several times Mariano had to hide in nearby caves to escape the fighting.

Padre Marianito was beatified after confirmation of a miracle in the life of Father Rafael Gildardo Velez Saldarriaga of Medellin. Velez underwent prostate surgery in 1970; in 1982 he developed cancer on the scar. He had surgery, cobalt and estrogen therapies, and seemed to have recovered. In March 1987 he developed an oedema of the legs that turned into elephantiasis followed by metastasis of the spinal column, and the 75-year-old priest was pronounced terminal. But in September 1987 he began to improve. In two months the oedema was reduced, the cellulitis and bone metastasis had disappeared. Doctors and scientists examined Father Velez in June 1991 and declared his cure had no scientific explanation. Additional analyses carried out in 1997 showed complete recovery, and on 4 April 1998, the Medical Commission of the Vatican Congregation for the Causes of Saints acknowledged unanimously that the priest's cure could not be scientifically explained, and was attributed to Padre Marianito's intercession.

Born

14 October 1845 at Yarumal, diocese of Antioquía, Colombia

Died

13 July 1926 at Angostura, Antioquia, Colombia of severe urinary system infections

Beatified

• 9 April 2000 by Pope John Paul II
• first Colombian to be beatified

Patronage

against cancer

Readings

I have already lived long enough. Now my greatest desire is to be united with my Jesus. - Blessed Mariano on his deathbed

[Father Mariano] knew how to integrate himself totally in the life of the people, sharing in the sorrows and joys of all. For all of them, he was a diligent Father, teacher and trustworthy counsellor, and a faithful witness of Christ's love among them. The poor, whom he called 'Christ's nobles,' were his favourites. He never hesitated to use his own goods to alleviate the penury and indigence of the weakest. He frequently visited the sick and was available at all times of the day and night to help them. He took care of children and youth with infinite gentleness and simplicity to lead them on the road of good habits and prudence. - Vatican Information Office

GOOD MORNING AND HAVE A NICE DAY SHOWING CHARITY.

WORTHY OF PRAISE

Worthy of Praise

I love you, Lord; you are my strength. The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my savior; my God is my rock, in whom I find protection. He is my shield, the strength of my salvation, and my stronghold. I will call on the Lord, who is worthy of praise, for he saves me from my enemies.Psalm 18:1-3

Hunted and chased like an animal, David had been in terrible distress and danger, but God had preserved his life and rescued him. Because of God’s help, David hadn’t just survived; he had emerged victorious. So he sings Psalm 18, a psalm of thanksgiving for all God has done and for who he is to David. It is a great song of worship and praise for the Lord’s divine intervention in delivering David against all odds from his enemy Saul and for bringing David through his difficulties to a future and hope.

In singing God’s praises, David uses vivid metaphors: “my rock” (stability and security), “my shield” (the one who guards and keeps me safe), “the strength of my salvation” (my source of strength when I’m weak), and “my stronghold” (the place I can go for protection). In David’s darkest hour the Lord revealed himself in these ways, and he wants to reveal himself in our lives too—right where we are in our distress, in the problems that try us, and in our victories. Ask him to reveal himself in whatever you’re facing today, and join David in praising the Lord who is “worthy of praise”!

LORD, when I am beset by difficulties, be my rock—my source of security in an uncertain world. In you alone I find protection. You are my stronghold; I need nothing else. Be my strength when I’m weak. Be my shield of protection from those who would harm me. Be the strength of my salvation when I call on you, and I will ever praise you because you are worthy.

GOD REVEALS HIMSELF UNFAILINGLY TO THE THOUGHTFUL SEEKER.Honoré de Balzac (1799–1850)

Biography of Saint John Jones

Saint John Jones

Also known as

• Godefride Moritius
• Godefridus Mauritius
• Godfrey Maurice
• Griffith Jones
• Gryffith Jones
• John Buckley
• John Griffith
• Robert Buckley
• Robertus Jonus

Memorial

25 October as one of the Forty Martyrs of England and Wales

Profile

Born to a strong Catholic Welsh family. Joined the Franciscans in Greenwich, England. When his monastery was dissolved in 1559, he travelled to France to study. Ordained at Rheims, France.

John returned to England to work with Catholic prisoners at Marshalsea Prison in London. He was arrested for being a priest and imprisoned at Wisbech Castle but escaped to the Continent. He lived for a while at Pontoise, France, and then the Ara Coeli Franciscan Observant house at Rome, Italy, finally returning to England as a missioner 1592. He worked in several places in the country and was elected Franciscan provincial of England.

Arrested and tortured by the priest-catcher Topcliffe in 1596. Imprisoned for two years, doing time with Blessed John Rigby. Convicted on 3 July 1598 for the treason of being a Catholic priest.

His execution took place early in the morning to reduce the chance of a mob; the executioner roused out of bed for the job, forgot his ropes. During the delay, while he went for them, John preached to the crowd that had gathered and explained he was being murdered for his faith, not any disloyalty to his country. One of the Forty Martyrs of England and Wales.

Born

1559 in Clynog-Fawr, Carnarvonshire, Wales

Died

• hanged, drawn, and quartered in the early morning of 12 July 1598 at Southwark, London, England
• body chopped to pieces and displayed on roadside poles as warnings to others
• body parts pulled down by local Catholics, at least one of whom was jailed for the offence
• surviving relics at Pontoise, France

Canonized

25 October 1970 by Pope Paul VI

FINDING STRENGTH IN SUFFERING

Good Morning and Have a Nice Day with God's Tender Mercies

LIKE AN OLIVE TREE

Like an Olive Tree

I am like an olive tree, thriving in the house of God. I trust in God’s unfailing love forever and ever.Psalm 52:8

In Bible times the olive tree was considered the most valuable of trees. Throughout Scripture, it symbolizes value, prominence, peace, and a promise of better times to come. The olive tree was also known as a tree that persevered, for it stood with great endurance under any adverse condition. The man who is secure in God’s presence is a symbol of God’s power. When David compared himself with an olive tree, he was declaring his faith and trust in God as the One who enabled him to be strong, not only to survive but also to thrive and bear fruit no matter how his enemies pursued him. He voiced, through the symbolism of the olive tree, his determination to grow in God’s presence and live a life of faith, seeking only to fulfil the will of God and become his alone. In whatever circumstances you may find yourself, the Holy Spirit dwelling within you can empower you to stand as a mighty, flourishing olive tree, full of the vitality that comes from living anchored in God’s unfailing love.

LORD, just like your servant David, I want not just to survive today but to thrive. Help me to display your splendour. Just as olive trees produce fruit, let my life produce the fruit of the Holy Spirit. Let others see the oil of joy, of healing, and of your very presence in my life, not only for my sake but for the sake of those who so desperately need to see that you really do exist and dwell among us.

LET HIM DO WHAT HE PLEASES WITH ME: I DESIRE ONLY HIM, AND TO BE WHOLLY DEVOTED TO HIM.Brother Lawrence of the Resurrection (1605–1691)

Biography of Saint Benedict of Nursia

Saint Benedict of Nursia

Also known as

• Benedict of Nursia
• Benedict of Nursia
• Benedetto da Norcia
• Founder of Western Monasticism

Additional Memorials

• 21 March (Benedictines; Norway)
• 14 March (Byzantine Rite)
• 4 December (France)

Profile

Born to the Roman nobility. Twin brother of Saint Scholastica. Studied in Rome, Italy, but was dismayed by the lack of discipline and the lackadaisical attitude of his fellow students. Fled to the mountains near Subiaco, Italy, living as a hermit in a cave for three years; reported having been fed by a raven. A friend of Saint Romanus of Subiaco who lived as a nearby hermit; spiritual teacher of Saint Placid. Benedict's virtues caused an abbey to request him to lead them. Founded the monastery at Monte Cassino, where he wrote the Rule of his order. His discipline was such that an attempt was made on his life; some monks tried to poison him, but he blessed the cup and rendered it harmless. He returned to his cave, but continued to attract followers, and eventually established twelve monasteries. Had the ability to read consciences, the gift of prophecy, and could forestall attacks of the devil. Destroyed pagan statues and altars, drove demons from groves sacred to pagans. At one point there were over 40,000 monasteries guided by the Benedictine Rule. A summation of the Rule: "Pray and work."

Born

c.480, Narsia, Umbria, Italy

Died

• 21 March 547 of a fever while in prayer at Monte Cassino, Italy
• buried beneath the high altar there in the same tomb as Saint Scholastica

Canonized

1220 by Pope Honorius III

Patronage

• against erysipelas
• against fever
• against gallstones
• against inflammatory diseases
• against kidney disease
• against nettle rash
• against poison
• against temptations
• against witchcraft
• architects
• dying people
• cavers, spelunkers
• monks
• people in religious orders
• servants who have broken their master's belongings
• speleologists
• students, school children
• agricultural and farm workers
• civil engineers
• coppersmiths
• Italian architects
• Italian farmers (proclaimed on 12 July 1959 by Pope John XXIII)
• Benedictines
• Europe (proclaimed on 24 October 1964 by Pope Paul VI)
• Heerdt, Germany
• Norcia, Italy
• Subiaco, Italy

Representation

• bell
• broken cup
• broken cup and serpent representing poison
• broken utensil
• bush
• crosier
• man in a Benedictine cowl holding Benedict's rule or a rod of discipline
• raven

Readings

Prayer ought to be short and pure unless it be prolonged by the inspiration of Divine grace. - Saint Benedict

Girded with a faith, and the performance of good works, let us follow in Christ's path by the guidance of the Gospel; then we shall deserve to see him "who has called us into his kingdom." If we wish to attain a dwelling place in his kingdom, we shall not reach it unless we hasten there by our good deeds. Just as there exists an evil fervour, a bitter spirit, which divides us from God and leads us to hell, so there is a good fervour which sets us apart from evil inclinations and leads us toward God and eternal life. No one should follow what he considers to be good for himself, but rather what seems good for another. Let them put Christ before all else; and may he lead us all to everlasting life. - from the Rule of Saint Benedict

REFLECTION

LET GOD BE THE JUDGE. Good Morning and Have a Nice Day.

Speak not evil one of another, brethren. He that speaketh evil of his brother, and judgeth his brother, speaketh evil of the law, and judgeth the law: but if thou judge the law, thou art not a doer of the law, but a judge. [12] There is one lawgiver, who is able to save and to destroy: who art thou that judgest another?     James 4:11-12 KJV

STUDY NOTE: Jesus summarized the law as love for God and neighbour (Matthew 22:37-40), and Paul said that love demonstrated toward a neighbour would fully satisfy the law (Romans 13:6-10). When we fail to love, we are actually breaking God’s law. Examine your attitude and actions toward others. Do you build people up or tear them down? When you’re ready to criticize someone, remember God’s law of love and say something good instead. Saying something beneficial to others will cure you of finding fault and increase your ability to obey God’s law of love.