Mystery of the day: Joyful
Saint of the day
Servant of God Brother Juniper
Brother Juniper has joined the friars in the year 1210 and St. Francis sent him to establish homes for friars in Gualdo Tadino and Viterbo. When St. Clare was in the death bed, Juniper helped and consoled her. He was very much devoted to the passion of Jesus. Every one praise him for his utter simplicity and generosity. When he was caring sick persons, one person has expressed his desire to eat a pig’s feet. Juniper then went out to the field and caught one pig and cut its one foot. Then served it with meals to that person. But the pig's owner came to the Friary and shouted at St. Francis and other friars there for cutting the leg of his pig. St. Francis of Assisi tole Juniper to apologize to the owner of the pig and Juniper explained him about the situation and convinced the owner even to give the entire pig to be slaughtered for charitable purpose. He used to share his clothing to anyone he saw half naked on roads. But his superior commanded him not to do such thing in future. In order to obey the superior, he used to tell the persons he want to share his clothing that he cannot give the clothes but he will not prevent others from taking it from him. Such was his generosity. Other friars avoid keeping anything lying around fearing that Juniper might donate it to others. He died on January 29, 1258.
Reflection for the day
Theme: Call to repentance
"As the LORD lives, the man who has done this deserves to die; and he shall restore the lamb fourfold, because he did this thing, and because he had no pity." (2 Samuel 12:5-6)
The call to repentance has been the major focus of God's messengers ranging from the Old Testament prophets, and New Testament teachers and prophets which Christ took the lead. Every God's command was to be given out in it's "rawnness" without diluting to suit the listener. This is exactly, what Nathan did today, and in response to the mind blowing case, David being a king drew out his sledge hammer then passed a judgment:
"As the LORD lives, the man who has done this deserves to die; and he shall restore the lamb fourfold, because he did this thing, and because he had no pity." (2 Samuel 12:5-6).
This is often our lot whenever it concern others. We are always at the side of passing out judgment not minding the circumstance. Today, we are being admonished, to go back to our spiritual drawing board to cross our "t's" and dot our "i's".
As we are still on a journey to our heavenly home. We need to retreat once in awhile to cross-check ourselves, whether we are on the right path of it or not.
Finally, as David retreated with a contrite heart over his sins, let us as well feel sorry over our inadequacies, and ask for God's grace to forge ahead. Recalling the wordings of David in Psalm 51, with a contrite heart God will not spurn. Let our hearts be torn for our sins, and the good Lord will rebuild it again in His love.
Peace, be with you.
Let us pray
Almighty God, grant we pray the grace of repentance. That in our daily living we may make with sincere effort keep in mind Your detect and ordinances. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
© The ARCHIVE 29012022
Amen 🙏, more grace fr.
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