- James 3:5-6 -
Likewise the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great
boasts.
Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. The tongue
also is
a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole
person, sets the whole course of his life on fire, and is itself set on
fire
by
hell.
_______________________________________________________________
We dare not be careless with what we say, thinking we can apologize later,
because even if we do, the scars remain. A few words spoken in anger can
destroy
a relation****p that took years to build. Before you speak, remember that
words
are like fire - you can neither control nor reverse the damage they do.
<<>><<>><<>>
February 25th - St. Caesarius of Nazianzus
Caesarius was the son of St. Gregory of Nazianzen, the Elder and his wife
St.
Nonna. He had a brother, St. Gregory and a sister St. Gorgonia. They were
a
very
devout 4th century family. Caesarius was probably born about the year 330
in
Nazianzus, but very few details about his early life are known.
It is likely that he received his primary education at home. He is
described
as
a very generous, kindly and gentle man. When his brother went to Caesarea
to
study, Caesarius went to Alexandria, where he became proficient in
oratory,
philosophy and the medical sciences. He then went to Constantinople to
finish
his medical studies and was to become one of the most outstanding
physicians
of
his day.
On a second trip to Constantinople he was to become friends with the
emperor,
Julian, who would later come to be known as the Apostate, because he
renounced
his faith in Christ. Caesarius would remain in Constantinople for some
time
in
various positions of prestige. He did resist all the emperor's attempts to
make
him renounce his belief in Jesus.
At the urging of his father and brother, he resigned his positions and
returned
to Nazianzus. Later he was made a treasurer in Bithynia, but after a
narrow
escape during an earthquake in 368, he looked seriously at his life and
his
faith in God. He had been a catechumen for a number of years and decided
now
to
be baptized. He gave up his position and decided to follow an ascetical
life.
Shortly after this he died suddenly.
Caesarius is still an example to us today. He did not let his wealth,
knowledge
or position lead him to a life of decadence which was so common at that
time.
Although he was friendly with the emperor, he did not allow the emperor to
dissuade him from his beliefs. When his family pointed out to him the
danger
to
his faith that the pagan surroundings presented, he chose to seek more
congenial
surroundings. He always gave to those in need and he made provision, that
when
he died, his possessions would be used to provide for the needs of the
poor.
He
didn't do anything extraordinary. He just did the best he could with each
day,
which is what God calls each one of us to.
Quote:
There is no sin or wrong that gives a man a foretaste of hell in this life
as
anger and impatience.
-Saint Catherine of Sienna
Bible Quote:
10 When thou shalt pour out Thy soul to the hungry, and shalt satisfy the
afflicted soul then shall thy light rise up in darkness, and Thy darkness
shall
be as the noonday. 11 And the Lord will give thee rest continually, and
will
fill Thy soul with brightness, and deliver Thy bones, and thou shalt be
like
a
watered garden, and like a fountain of water whose waters shall not fail.
(Isaias 58:10-11)
<><><><>
An antiphon, hymn, and prayer in honor of the holy Angels; from the Divine
Office at Matins:
Antiphon:
God hath given His angels charge of thee, that they keep thee in all thy
ways. Amen.
O Lord, open Thou my lips,
And my tongue shall declare Thy praise.
O God, incline unto my aid.
O Lord, make haste to help me.
Glory be, etc... Alleluia.
Hymn:
O Lord, permit us here to raise our voice;
And waft before Thy throne our feeble praise,
And thank Thee for those angels whom Thy choice
Hath lent our weakness to direct its ways,
And free us from the envious foes that lurk
To spoil the beauty of Thy cherished work.
Ant. O holy Angels, our guardians, defend us in the combat, that we perish
not in the dreadful judgement.
V. In sight of Thy angels I will sing to Thee, my God.
R. I will adore at Thy holy temple, and confess to Thy name.
Prayer:
O God, Who, with unspeakable providence, hast vouchsafed to appoint Thy
holy angels to be our guardians, grant to Thy humble suppliants to be
always defended by their protection, and to enjoy their everlasting
society, through Jesus Christ, Thy Son, Our Lord, Who liveth and reigneth,
one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Imprimatur: John M. Farley, Archbishop of New York, Sept 19, 1908.
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