On the Few Lovers of the Cross of Jesus [III]

[Rich]

On the Few Lovers of the Cross of Jesus [III]

Oh, how powerful is the pure love of Jesus, free from all
self-interest and self-love! Are they not all mercenaries, who are
always seeking comfort? Do they not betray themselves as lovers of
self rather than of Christ, when they are always thinking of their own
advantage and gain? Where will you find one who is willing to serve
God without reward?
--Thomas à Kempis --Imitation of Christ Bk 2, Ch 11

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21 January – Saint Epiphanius of Pavia

(439–496)
Bishop of Pavia, Italy from 466 until his death. Papal and Secular
Mediator and Peacemaker, Known as – “Epiphanius the Peacemaker,” “The
Glory of Italy,” “The Light of Bishops.” Born in c 439 at Pavia, Italy
and died in 496 at Burgundy, France of a fever.

The Roman Martyrology for 21 January reads: “In Pavia, Saint Epifanio,
Bishop , who, at the time of the barbarian invasions, worked zealously
for the reconciliation of the peoples, for the liberation of prisoners
and for the reconstruction of the destroyed City.”

Our primary source for Epiphanius’ life is the Vita Epifanius written
by St Magnus Felix Ennodius (c 473-521) , who knew him personally,
travelling with the Bishop on his mission to King Gundobad of the
Burgundians in 494–6. According to St Ennodius, Epiphanius’ father was
Maurus and his mother Focaria, who was related to Mirocle, Bishop of
Milan (304-326). Epiphanius was the brother of Saint Honorata and
Saint Liberata.

He joined the household of Bishop Crispinus at the age of eight for
his education and became a lector, learning to read and write, as well
as stenography. At the age of 18 he was Ordained Subdeacon and Deacon
at 20. Bishop Crispinus, as he lay dying, appointed Epiphanius as his
successor in the presence of the ex-consul Flavius Rusticus. Although
he resisted the appointment, Epiphanius was made Bishop in Milan in
his 28th year.

Shortly after becoming Bishop, Epiphanius was asked to intervene
between Anthemius and the barbarian leader Ricimer, appealing to both
parties for peace. More peacemaking and diplomatic missions followed
and most of these to high-ranking figures proved to be successful
endeavours. Religious dignitaries such as Epiphanius had wide-ranging
influence on the rulers and aristocrats during this period. In the
eighth year of his episcopate (spring 475), the Emperor Julius Nepos,
sent him on a diplomatic mission to Euric about Visigothic incursions.

Another success was Epiphanius’ negotiations over the ransom of his
sister, St Honorata, who had been abducted from the Monastery of St
Vincent in Pavia, during the war between Theodoric the Great and
Odoacer.

Epiphanius actively worked on the reconstruction of Pavia which, in
476, had been sacked and destroyed by rival armies. Epiphanius visited
the victors several times, to implore clemency for the vanquished. In
particular, he successfully implored the clemency of Odoacer, of
Theodoric and of the King of Burgundians, Gundobaldo, from whom he
obtained the release of six thousand prisoners.

In 496, returning from Ravenna, where he had gone for yet another
legation to King Theodoric in favour of Pavia and the entire Province,
he fell ill in Parma with pneumonia, was transported to his home in
Pavia, where he died at the age of fifty-eight years, after thirty
years as Bishop.

Shortly after his death, Epiphanius was revered as a saint and
numerous miracles were attributed to him. In 962 most of his relics
were moved to Hildesheim to give this region more prestige and
heavenly help. The relics of Epiphanius are still contained in a
golden casket placed under the central Altar of the Cathedral of
Hildesheim.

https://anastpaul.com/2022/01/21/


“But the wise took oil in their vessels” – Matthew 25:4

REFLECTION – “It is some great thing, some exceedingly great thing,
that this oil signifies. Do you think it might be charity? If we try
out this hypothesis, we hazard no precipitate judgement. I will tell
you why charity seems to be signified by the oil. The Apostle says, “I
will show you a still more excellent way.” “If I speak with the tongue
of mortals and of angels but do not have love, I am a noisy gong or a
clanging cymbal.” This is charity. It is “that way above the rest,”
which is, with good reason, signified by the oil. For oil swims above
all liquids. Pour in water and pour in oil upon it, the oil will swim
above. If you keep the usual order, it will be uppermost, if you
change the order, it will be uppermost. “Charity never fails!”
… St Augustine (354-430) Father & Doctor (Sermon 93).

Bible Quote:
Which of you shall convince me of sin? If I say the truth to you, why
do you not believe me? 47 He that is of God, heareth the words of God.
Therefore you hear them not, because you are not of God. (John
8:46-47) DRB


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Short prayers to our Lord:

Jesus Christ, Son of the living God, light of the world, I adore Thee;
for Thee, I live, for Thee I die. Amen.

O sweetest Jesus, hide me in Thy Sacred Heart, permit me not to be
separated from Thee, defend me from the evil foe.

Sweetest Jesus, be not my Judge, but my Saviour.