- 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. Benjamin the Deacon M (RM)
Died on March 31, c. 421. Yezdigerd (Isdegerdes), the king of Persia, put
an
end
to the cruel persecution of Christians under his father Sapor (Shapur) II,
and
there followed 12 years of peace. Bishop Abdas then burned down the
Pyraeum,
or
Temple of Fire, the chief object of worship of the Persians. The king
threatened
to destroy all Christian churches unless Abdas rebuilt it. The bishop
refused,
and the king put him to death and initiated a general persecution of
Christians,
which continued for forty years and intensified under his son Varanes. An
account of the terrible cruelties was given by a contemporary, Theodoret
(Ecclesiastical History).
Benjamin, a Persian deacon, was beaten and imprisoned for a year for
preaching
Christianity during the persecution. He was released at the request of the
Emperor of Constantinople, who promised he would stop preaching to
Varanes'
courtiers. As soon as he was released, Benjamin again began proclaiming
the
Gospel, was arrested and tortured after he said that he would not be
silent
if
again released.
At his trial, he asked the king what he would think of a subject who would
renounce his allegiance and join in a war against him. The king ordered
reeds
thrust under his nails and into the most tender parts of his body and then
withdrawn. After this was repeated several times, a knotted stake was
inserted
into his bowels to rend and tear him. He expired in terrible agony
(Attwater2,
Barr, Benedictines, Davies, Delaney, White).
He is depicted as a deacon with reeds thrust under his nails; sometimes
impaled
by knotted stake (Roeder).
Saint Quote:
"The true and only remedy for this evil is to make little account of what
suggests itself to our mind. When asked for our opinion, let us give it
frankly,
but with indifference as to whether or not it be accepted or approved, and
let
us be careful to follow the judgment of others rather than our own,
whenever
it
can be lawfully done"
-St. Francis de Sales
It is narrated in the Lives of the Fathers that when the Abbot John, who
was
very celebrated for holiness, was about to die his disciples begged him to
leave
them some good advice for acquiring perfection. He replied to them: "This
is
all
is I can tell you: I have labored not according to my own judgment, but
according to the judgment of others; nor have I ever commanded another to
do
anything, without having first done it myself."
(Taken from the book "A Year with the Saints". March - Mortification)
Bible Quote:
1 And Jesus passing by, saw a man, who was blind from his birth: 2 And his
disciples asked him: Rabbi, who hath sinned, this man, or his parents,
that
he
should be born blind? 3 Jesus answered: Neither hath this man sinned, nor
his
parents; but that the works of God should be made manifest in him. (John
9:1-3)
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Prayer to St. Dymphna - Prudence
You were marked in life, St. Dymphna, by a high degree of
prudence. You sought and followed the advice of your
confessor and spiritual guide. You fled from temptation even
when it meant exile and poverty. In your last extremity you
chose to die rather than offend God. Please help us now by
your merits not only to know what is right, but procure for us
also the strength to do it. Amen.
<><><><>
To Obtain Holy Perseverance.
O Queen of Heavens, I, who was once a miserable slave
of Lucifer, now dedicate myself to thee, to be thy servant
forever; I offer myself to thee, to be thy servant forever;
I offer myself to honor thee, and serve thee during my whole
life; do thou accept me, and refuse me not, as I should
deserve. O my Mother, in thee have I placed all my hopes,
from thee do I expect every grace. I bless and thank God,
who in his mercy has given me this confidence in thee,
which I consider a pledge of my salvation. Alas, miserable
wretch that I am, I have hitherto fallen, because I have not
had recourse to thee. I now hope that, through the merits
of Jesus Christ and thy prayers, I have obtained pardon.
But I may again lose divine grace; the danger is not past.
My enemies do not sleep. How many temptations have I still
to conquer! Ah, my most sweet Lady, protect me, and permit
me not again to become their slave; help me at all times.
I know thou wilt help me, and that with thy help I shall
conquer, if I recommend myself to thee; but this what I fear-I
fear that in time of danger I may neglect to call upon thee,
and thus be lost. I ask thee, then, for this grace; obtain that,
in the assaults of hell, I may always have recourse to thee,
saying, Mary help me. My Mother, permit me not to lose my
God.
-Amen
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