- 2 Corinthians 7:10 -
Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no
regret,
but worldly sorrow brings death.
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"Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation" refers to the
sorrow
for our sins that results in changed behavior. Many people are sorry only
for
the effects of their sins or for being caught ("worldly sorrow"). Compare
Peter's remorse and repentance with Judas' bitterness and act of suicide.
Both
disowned Christ. One repented and was restored to faith and service; the
other
took his own life.
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March 31st - St. Guy of Pomposa.
Guy, also known as Guido was born near Ravenna, Italy. We know very little
about
his family except that they must have been financially comfortable.
Tradition
tells us of how his parents took great pride in him and how he was very
careful
about his clothing and appearance.
It was this very carefulness which became the means of his conversion. One
day
he recognized the vanity within himself and set off to Ravenna where he
took off
his fine clothing and gave them to the poor. He clothed himself in the
shabbiest
things he could find, much to the mortification and consternation of his
parents.
Divine inspiration lead Guy to a tiny island in the river Po where he
placed
himself under the direction of a hermit named Martin. After three years of
intense spiritual guidance, Martin sent him to the Abbey at Pomposa to
learn
cenobitic monastic life. His reputation for holiness grew. He was a man of
deep
prayer and a generous spirit.
His father and brother were two of many who were drawn to monastic life
because
of Guy's example. He was soon elected abbot of St. Severus and later of
Pomposa. He had to build another monastery to accommodate the numerous
vocations. Guy appointed others to take over the secular aspects of
running the
monasteries and devoted himself to prayer and spiritual direction.
Tradition tells us that St. Peter Damian spent two years at Pomposa giving
lectures on the Sacred Scriptures. Guy did not escape the persecution
which
often comes to holy men and women. The archbishop of Ravenna, for unknown
reasons, developed a hatred for Guy and determined to destroy his
monasteries.
When Guy learned of the imminent attack, he fasted for three days, which
his
community joined him in. When the archbishop arrived with his soldiers, he
was
met by Guy with such humility and deference, that he was overwhelmed and
asked
the abbot's pardon.
The last years of his life were spent in solitude and prayer. Emperor
Henry III
summoned him to Piacenza and enroute he was stricken with a severe illness
at
Borgo San Donnino. He died three days later. Soon many miracles were
re****ted to
have occurred because of his intercession. Once again we meet a saint who
didn't
do anything spectacular. He simply lived wholeheartedly, the life God
called him
to.
Bible Quote:
7 Jesus therefore said: Let her alone, that she may keep it against the
day of
my burial. 8 For the poor you have always with you; but me you have not
always.
(John 12:7-8)
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PIETA
In Her arms so soft and loving
Lay the heart of all creation-
Torn and bloody from the torment
Wrought by sin's abomination.
Oh! dear Mother in Your sorrow,
Can You look upon us still,
Remembering all the grief we gave You-
Can you really love us still?
Yes, My dear child, I do love you,
With a heart that's pure and kind.
I will save you from disaster-
Only seek and ye shall find!
Take His heart, so torn with sorrow;
Kiss the wounds that sin did bleed.
We are living now the past, dear-
Lust and envy, hate and greed!!
Once again He lays hanging,
Begging you to put aside
All the evil man has made
To make the road grow long and wide!
See the light grow sad and dimmer;
Listen now while there is time!
Turn and give your life to Jesus-
Let Him lead you to the Shrine;
Safe within His magic circle,
Blessed by peace of heart and soul,
You will find all Heaven's treasures
If you work to reach this goal!
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