- 1 Peter 3:15-16 -
But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to
give an
answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you
have.
But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so
that
those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be
ashamed
of their slander.
___________________________________________________________________
Some Christians believe that faith is a personal matter that should be
kept to
oneself. It is true that we shouldn't be boisterous or obnoxious in
sharing our
faith, be we should always be ready to give an answer, gently and
respectfully,
when asked about our faith, our lifestyle or our Christian perspective.
Can
others see your hope in Christ? Are you prepared to tell them what Christ
has
done in your life?
<<>><<>><<>>
March 7th - St. Drausius, Bishop, Founder
died c. 674
How someone gets from one place in life to another is often fascinating.
Usually, it has to do with the people one gets to know in life. They both
help
shape an individual and open doors to others who can help determine what
happens. Such was the case with St. Drausius (or Drausin).
As a youth, he was educated at Soissons - a community northwest of Paris -
under
St. Anseric, the bishop of Soissons.
Next, Drausius was named an archdeacon by Anseric's successor, Bp.
Bettolin, who
saw a great deal of promise in the young man. Indeed, he thought so highly
of
Drausius that as Bettolin was preparing to retire - because, he said, his
election as bishop was not valid - he recommended Drausius be selected as
his
successor.
As bishop, Drausius quickly built a reputation as an able administrator
and an
excellent preacher. Many people were said to have converted after hearing
him
preach. Drausius also was known for his austere way of life. It is said he
fasted throughout life and, despite his poor health, compounded his
suffering
through voluntary mortifications.
Drausius also founded two religious communities in his diocese - one for
men,
the other for women. He built a monastery along the Aisne River at
Rethondes, on
land he bought from Bettolin.
The convent appears to have been an even bigger endeavor. Drausius built
it in
Soissons with a great deal of help from Leutrude, the wife of Ebroin,
mayor of
the palace.
Work on Notre Dame de Soissons Church was completed in 664, when the
church was
dedicated. But it was obvious that it was not large enough, so Drausius
built
two other chapels. One was used by the abbess and the nuns in the
community. The
other one was reserved for sick nuns, guests and the poor, to whom they
ministered. Drausius lived long enough to complete the work.
His life challenges us to consider how we carry out the work of God in our
lives. While the self-disciplines he practiced seem overly severe, they
invite
us to consider whether we are asking enough of ourselves in prayer,
service and
penitential practices, particularly during this Lenten season.
(Sources: Butler's Lives of the Saints, Dictionary of Saints.)
This Version taken from:
http://www.thecompassnews.org/compass/2002-03-01/cnindex.htm
Saint Quote:
Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament is half my life. The other half
consists in
loving Jesus and winning souls for Him.
-Saint Mary Hermina Grivot
Bible Quote:
31. Then Jesus took unto him the twelve, and said to them: Behold, we go
up to
Jerusalem, and all things shall be accomplished which were written by the
prophets concerning the Son of man. 32. For he shall be delivered to the
Gentiles, and shall be mocked, and scourged, and spit upon: 33. And after
they
have scourged him, they will put him to death; and the third day he shall
rise
again. (Luke 18:31-33)
<><><><>
A prayer of St. Thomas Aquinas, in hopes of attaining the grace for a
devout
life:
Grant me, O merciful God, to desire eagerly, to investigate prudently, to
acknowledge sincerely, and to fulfill perfectly those things that are
pleasing
to Thee, to the praise and glory of Thy holy Name.
Do Thou, my god, order my life; and grant that I may know what Thou wilt
have me
to do; and give me to fulfill it as is fitting and profitable to my soul.
Grant me, O Lord my God, the grace not to faint either in prosperity or
adversity, that I be not unduly lifted up by the one, nor unduly cast down
by
the other. Let me neither rejoice nor grieve at anytime, save what wither
leads
to Thee or leads away from Thee. Let me not desire to please anyone, nor
fear
to displease anyone save only Thee.
Let all things that pass away seem vile in my eyes, and let all things
that are
eternal be dear to me. Let me tire of that joy which is without Thee,
neither
permit me to desire anything that is outside Thee. Let me find joy in the
labor
that is for Thee; and let all repose that is without Thee be tiresome to
me.
Give me, my god, the grace to direct my heart towards Thee, and to grieve
continuously at my failures, together with a firm purpose of amendment.
O Lord my God, make me obedient without gainsaying, poor without
despondency,
chaste without stain, patient without murmuring, humble without pretense,
cheerful without dissipation, serious without undue heaviness, active
without
instability, fearful of Thee without objectless, truthful without
double-dealing, devoted to good works without presumption, ready to
correct my
neighbor without arrogance, and to edify him by word and example, without
hypocrisy.
Give me, Lord God, a watchful heart which shall be distracted from Thee by
no
vain thoughts; give me a generous heart which shall not be drawn downward
by any
unworthy affection; give me an upright which shall not be led astray by
any
perverse intention; give me a stout heart which shall not be crushed by
any
heart; give me a free heart which shall not be claimed as its own by any
unregulated affection.
Bestow upon me, O Lord my god, an understanding that knows Thee, diligence
in
seeking Thee, wisdom in finding Thee, a way of life that is pleasing to
Thee,
perseverance that faithfully waits for Thee, and confidence that I shall
embrace
Thee at the last. Grant that I may be chastised here by penance, that I
may
make good use of Thy gifts in this life by Thy grace, and that I may
partake of
Thy joys in the glory of heaven: Who livest and reignest God, world
without end.
Amen.
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