Mystery of the day: Joyful
Saint of the day
St. Paul the Hermit
He was an Egyptian hermit and the first Christian hermit. He was born around the year 233 A.D. and was orphaned at the age of 15 years. He fled to the Theban desert during the persecution of Christians by Emperors Decius and Valerianus around the year 250 A.D. He lived in a cave and lived only on the fruits of a palm tree for food and clothing woven from that palm tree and drinking water from a spring nearby. After about 21 years a bird (Raven) brought him half a loaf of bread daily for food. St. Anthony the great has attested to the holiness of this saint. When St. Anthony the Great once met St. Paul in his cave, the usual raven bird that used to bring half a loaf of bread daily, brought a whole loaf of bread on that day, miraculously for use by both the saints. St. Paul the Hermit lived up to 122 years and died in that cave at about 345 A.D. Tradition says that St. Anthony the Great buried St. Paul the Hermit and two lions helped St. Anthony in digging the grave. St. Paul the Hermit is generally portrayed with a palm tree and two lions.
Reflection for the day
Theme: Follow me....
"Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick; I came not to call the righteous, but sinners." (Mark 2:17)
The Messianic ministry of Jesus was different from the expectation of the Pharisees. They thought of one, who will be riding on a donkey, dinning with Kings and Queens, and above all not he who will have anything to do with the anawim of the society.
And today, Evangelist Mark in the gospel pericope described His "messiahship" as that whose reign is for all.
"Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick; I came not to call the righteous, but sinners." (Mark 2:17)
The description here depicts that of a true Messiah who came to serve and not to be served, one whose primary duty was to search for the lost children of Israel and showing compassion to all, for we are all sons and daughters of Abraham.
Having called on the tax collector to follow Him not minding his societal status is yet a credit and hope that He is for all. For St.Paul says: "God doesn't call the qualified.He qualifies the called." (I Corinthians 1:27-29)
We saw many instances where God called those who were weak to shame the mighty.
Remember that: Noah was a drunk, Abraham was too old, Moses had impediment of speech, Isaac was a day dreamer, Jacob was liar, Leah one of the ugliest, Joseph was abused, Gideon was fearful, Sampson was a womaniser, Rahab a prostitute, Jeremaiah and Timothy we're too young for the ministry,
David a murderer, Elijah at a point was suicidal, Isaiah preached naked, Jonah ran away from God, Noami a poor widow, Job went bankrupt, Peter denied Jesus in the broad day light, the divorced Samaritan woman, and so long a list.
Of all these characters, God still found something in them. Let us therefore, carries our weakness to God, for grace to follow Him. Once we accept to follow Him, He will qualify us.
Peace, be with you
Let us pray 🙏
Merciful God, we thank You for Your love and care; as we have come to the realization of our weakness. Please we beg Thee, perfect our imperfections and purify our impurities. And make us qualified servants of Yours. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
© The ARCHIVE 15012022
Amen 🙏, thank you fr, more grace to you.
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