Mystery of the day: Sorrowful
Saint of the day
St. Charles of Sezze
He was born on October 19, 1613 in a place called Sezze, south-east of Rome and his birth name was Giancario Marchioni. He was inspired by the lives of Salvatore Horta and Paschal Baylon and joined the Franciscans in 1635. He served as a cook, porter, gardener, sacristan and beggar at different Friaries in Italy. St. Charles wanted to come to India for gospel work but that could not happen. He had a strong sense of God’s providence. He was so saintly that the Pope Clement- IX called St. Charles to his side for blessing when the Pope was in his death bed. Many people sought him for spiritual guidance. He remained always as a lay brother and never requested to be ordained as a priest. Finally he died at a place called Francesco a Ripa in Rome onJanuary 6, 1670 on the feast day of Epiphany and was buried there.
St. Charles of Sezze was beatified by Pope Leo-XIII on January 22, 1882 and canonized by Pope John- XXIII on April 12, 1959.
Reflection for the day
Theme: Beyond man's understanding
"...for the LORD sees not as man sees; man looks on the outward appearance, but the LORD looks on the heart." (I Samuel 16:7)
It is obvious that, most often appearances are deceptive, that is, what we see may not be real in actuality.
In man's judgment and understanding, hugeness and beautifulness become the yardstick of a great man, but God does not see as man sees.
In today's reflection, we bear our minds to the consecration of David as the king, the least son of Jesse, who was considered trivial in the scheme of things. As the youngest, he was errand boy, whose position was not noticed. (cf. I Samuel 16:11).
Beloved in Christ, we are being reminded that no matter how we see ourselves or others see us, the master plan of God in our lives cannot be changed. He has the final say. By His solemn paschal mysteries of passion, death and resurrection He paid the debt in full. A debt He did not owe. He did this not minding our status and our short comings. He did not see us in the same way man sees, even the way we see ourselves.
Indeed, He chooses the weak just like David to shame those who think they are strong. The way of God can never be the way of man. As the sky is higher than the earth, so is His thought higher than that of man.
Finally, never see yourself as the least no matter the situation for you were bought with a price which no human can afford. Trust and obey, for He is in charge.
Peace, be with you.
Let us pray
Almighty and everliving God, we are grateful to You for Your faithfulness. Kindly look with pity upon us, as we place our trust and hope in You. Give us the grace to see beyond human level, so that we may come to the understanding of Your rich glory in us. We ask this through Cbrist our Lord. Amen.
©The ARCHIVE. 18012022
Amen, may God continue to protect you from evil and bless you all the day's of your life
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