Mystery of the day: Sorrowful
Saint of the day:
St. Pedro de San José Betancur
He was born on May 16, 1619 in Vilaflor on the island of Tenerife. He worked as a shepherd until age 24 years and after that he went to Guatemala to seek a job. He later enrolled in a local Jesuit College to become a priest. But he could not become a priest. Then he became a Franciscan Tertiary at the convent of Costa Rica and took the name 'Peter of Saint Joseph'. He opened a hospital named “Our Lady of Bethlehem” to take care of the poor sick people. Later, he also founded a shelter for homeless people and a school for the poor children. He also founded an inn for the use of the priests. He is credited with originating the Christmas Eve Posadas Procession in which people representing Joseph and Mary and go house to house to seek night lodging. This they did as a remembrance of the Biblical incident wherein Virgin Mary and Joseph requested resting place for Mary when she suffered labor pain, while carrying Jesus in her womb. 'Posada' in Spanish means lodging or accommodation. This procession is now celebrated in Mexico and other cities for nine days from 16th to 24th December as a novena representing nine months of Mary’s pregnancy. He died in Antigua, Guatemala on April 25, 1667.
He was beatified on June 22, 1980 and canonized on July 30, 2002 both by Pope John Paul-II.
Reflection for the day
Theme: The Spirit blows wherever it wills.
"At that time: Jesus said to Nicodemus, 'You must be born anew.' The wind blows where it wills, and you hear the sound of it, but you do not know whence it comes or whither it goes; so it is with every one who is born of the Spirit." (John 3:7-9)
In the Sacramemt of Baptism, there is a re-birth among the believers. This springs from the power of the Holy Spirit who instructs, counsels and teaches.
In the light of this, the Gospel pericope of today reminded us of the power of the Spirit among believers as Christ called on Nocodemus to a new life.
"At that time: Jesus said to Nicodemus, 'You must be born anew.' The wind blows where it wills, and you hear the sound of it, but you do not know whence it comes or whither it goes; so it is with every one who is born of the Spirit." (John 3:7-9)
This invitation cuts across every believer who desires peace. For God alone is the source of peace and solace as St. Augustine avers: "Our souls are restless, until it rest in God."
Our restlessness borne out of unnecessary wants not even needs. The seeking of comfort outside God, being enriched and satisfied without God. These desires if not from God will amount to depression and regret. That is why, Christ told Nicodemus to seek for a new life so as to be comforted and satisfied. We on the other hand need the same ontological change in our lives. If we do so, the Spirit which blows wherever it wills will meet us in our needs to teach, counsel and comfort us in our sorrows.
Peace, be with you!
Let us pray
Merciful Lotd, Yours is the earth and its fulness. Thank You for the gift of this day, as we keep in watch of the return of Your Son, grant us the grace to persevere in our trials and may the Spirit directs our thoughts, words and actions. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
© The ARCHIVE 26042022
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