The voice of life and joy that awakens the dead.

[Rich]

The voice of life and joy that awakens the dead

"I am the voice of life that wakens the dead. I am the good odor
that takes away the foul odor. I am the voice of joy that takes away
sorrow and grief.… I am the comfort of those who are in grief. Those
who belong to me are given joy by me. I am the joy of the whole world.
I gladden all my friends and rejoice with them. I am the bread of
life" (John 6:35).
by Athanasius of Alexandria (excerpt from HOMILY ON THE RESURRECTION
OF LAZARUS)

<<>><<>><<>>
August 1st - St. Aled of Brecknock, Virgin Martyr
(Also known as Adwenhelye, Almedha, Almedia, Eiluned, Eled, Elevetha, Euned)
6th century.

Most of what we know of Saint Aled derives from Archdeacon Gerald of
Wales (a.k.a. Giraldus Cambrensis), who lived in the 12th century near
the church he describes on a hilltop close to Brecon Castle in Wales.

Saint Aled was a descendant of King Saint Brychan of Brecknock (f.d.
April 6). She is said to have suffered martyrdom on a hill near
Brecknock, Wales. It is related that she was a young nun who fled to
Llanfillo, then Llechfaen, and finally Slwch Tump near Brecon, in
order to escape an unwanted marriage to a prince. She built a cell at
Brecon with the help of the local lord. Later she was found by her
suitor. Again she ran, but he caught and beheaded her with his sword.
As in the story of St. Winefride, a miraculous spring erupted from the
ground.

The site of her martyrdom would become a place filled with pilgrims on
her feast. It is said that "thanks to the merits of this holy virgin,
those who are suffering from maladies of any sort recover the health
for which they pray." Gerald goes on to describe the dances of young
people in the graveyard and their singing of traditional songs. They
suddenly collapse on the ground, and then mime with hands and feet the
work—of ploughing, spinning, weaving—they have done against the
commandment to rest on the Sabbath. Then they would enter the church
with their offerings: "by taking part in these festivities, they feel
in their hearts the remission of their sins and are absolved and
pardoned." The small church that was built over her cell was
obliterated in 1698 (Attwater2, Benedictines, Encyclopaedia, Farmer).


Saint Quote:
"Paul says that we should receive the weak man in order that we might
support his weakness by our strength. Neither should we criticize his
opinions by daring to pass judgment on someone else's heart, which we
do not see.
-- St. Augustine, Commentary of Romans

Bible Quote:
Finally, brethren, be strengthened in the Lord, and in the might of his power.
[11] Put you on the armour of God, that you may be able to stand
against the deceits of the devil.
[Ephesians 6:10-11 ]DRV

<><><><>
A Prayer for Light

O Light everlasting, surpassing all created light! (Ps. 27:1; John
8:12) Pour forth from Heaven the glorious rays of Thy light and pierce
the very depths of my heart! Purify, gladden, light and quicken the
powers of my spirit, that it may hold to Thee with joy unspeakable.
Oh, when shall come that blessed and longed for hour, when Thou
filleth me with Thy presence and be to me All in all. (1 Cor. 15:28)
Until Thou granteth this, I can know no fullness of joy. As yet, alas,
my lower nature is strong within me; it is not yet wholly crucified,
nor entirely dead. (Rom. 6:6) It still fights strongly against the
spirit, stirring up conflicts within me and will not allow the kingdom
of the soul to remain at peace. O Christ, who rules the power of the
sea and quells its raging waves, (Ps. 89:9) come near and help me!
Scatter the nations that delight in war (Ps. 68:30) and overcome them
in Thy strength. (Ps. 60:12). Display thy mighty power, I pray, and
show Yourself glorious in might; I have no hope nor refuge (Ps. 31:2)
but in Thee, O Lord My God.
--Thomas à Kempis --Imitation of Christ Bk 3, Ch 34