The Living Water of the Spirit

[Weedy]

The Living Water of the Spirit

Sometimes Scripture calls the grace of the Spirit "fire," other
times it calls it "water." In this way, it shows that these names are
not descriptive of its essence but of its operation. For the Spirit,
which is invisible and simple, cannot be made up of different
substances... In the same way that he calls the Spirit by the name of
"fire," alluding to the rousing and warming property of grace and its
power of destroying sins, he calls it "water" in order to highlight
the cleansing it does and the great refreshment it provides those
minds that receive it. For it makes the willing soul like a kind of
garden, thick with all kinds of fruitful and productive trees,
allowing it neither to feel despondency nor the plots of Satan. It
quenches all the fiery darts of the wicked one.
by John Chrysostom, 347-407 (HOMILIES ON THE GOSPEL OF JOHN 32.1)

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March 26th - Saint Braulio
(also known as Saint Braulius)

590-651
Saint Braulio was friend and disciple to Saint Isidore of Seville
(feast celebrated April 4), and a prolific writer of letters, hymns,
martyrology, hagiographies, and history. He fought against heresy and
provided both strength and encouragement in the faith to his
congregation, eventually appointed bishop.

Braulio was born into a noble family in Osma, and little is known of
his early life. We know that he excelled at his studies, and was so
eminent a scholar that he was sent to the college in Seville, founded
by Saint Isidore. There, he became so valued by the saint that he was
considered friend and disciple, rather than pupil. As history records,
Saint Isidore sent Saint Braulio his own writings to review and
correct prior to publication or dissemination.

Saint Braulio prepared for the priesthood at Saint Engratia's
monastery, and was ordained in Saragossa. Upon the death of his
brother, John, Bishop of Saragossa, Braulio was appointed to succeed
him by the neighboring bishops of the region. As pastor of the region,
Braulio worked tirelessly and zealously to teach and encourage his
peoples, fighting vigorously against the Arian heresy which was
growing throughout the region. He further assisted Saint Isidore in
Church reform and the restoration of disciples within the Spanish
clergy.

Saint Braulio attended the fourth, fifth, and sixth Councils of
Toledo, in the last of which he was selected to write a letter to Pope
Honorius I, defending the dignity and works of the Spanish clergy. His
letter was both respectful and convincing. The influence of Saint
Braulio extended beyond the Church, with his letters reaching royalty,
including the king of Spain, and accomplishing much good for the
peoples.

Saint Braulio, despite his writing, reformation, and fights against
heresy, spent his days in the cathedral praying, before the altar of
the Lord, and before Our Lady of Pilar. He embraced an austere life,
wearing only the roughest and plainest of garments, and eating only
simple foods. He abhorred the luxuries generally permissible to a
bishop, and instead sought to live as his congregation, so that he
might better preach. His preaching was well-known, both conversational
and instructional, convincing all who listened of the truth of his
argument. He demonstrated great love for his people, especially the
poor and sick, whom he took special care of personally.

Near the end of his life, Saint Braulio lost his eyesight, which was
especially troubling to him as a scholar. He spent his days reciting
the Psalms from memory, and died peacefully in Saragossa. He was
buried in the church of Nuestra Senora Merced del Pilar (Our Lady of
Pilar).

The life of Saint Braulio is one of industry and use of talent. The
Lord blessed this humble man with great intellect and scholarly
aptitude, which he harnessed to assist Saint Isidore in his great
writings. Saint Braulio also turned his attention to those around him,
not content to live his life in scholarly pursuits, demonstrating
great attention to his people, compassion, ministry, and love. He was
never idle, spending his days in service, prayer, and contemplation,
and never complained of the difficulties he experienced (with the
exception of the loss of his eyesight!). Saint Braulio’s approach to
life reminds us that we spend considerable time in idle pursuits, time
which could be directed toward those around us, ministry, or prayer.
During this season of Lent, what could we be doing to better use the
talents the Lord has given us, to the benefit of those in our
communities?


Saint Quote:
Repentance is the returning from the unnatural to the natural state,
from the Devil to God, through discipline and effort.
--St. John of Damascus

Bible Quote:
"You must obey all the commandments I give you today. If you do, you
will not only live, you will multiply and go in and take over the land
promised to your fathers by the Lord.... Obey the laws of your God.
Walk in his ways and fear him." (Deuteronomy 8:1, 6)


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Father of Mercy,

forgive my failings,
keep me in Your Grace,
and lead me in the way of salvation.
Give me strength in serving You
as a follower of Christ.
May the Eucharist bring me Your Forgiveness
and give me freedom to serve You all my life.
May it help me to remain faithful
and give me the grace I need in Your service.
May it teach me the way to eternal life.