Appreciating God’s Grace (4)

[Rich]

Appreciating God’s Grace (4)

Always take the lowest place and the highest will be given you, for
the highest cannot exist apart from the lowest. The saints who are
greatest before God are those who consider themselves the least, and
the more humble they are within themselves, so much the more glorious
they are. Since they do not desire vainglory, they are full of truth
and heavenly glory. Being established and strengthened in God, they
can by no means be proud. They attribute to God whatever good they
have received; they seek no glory from one another but only that which
comes from God alone. They desire above all things that He be praised
in themselves and in all His saints--this is their constant purpose.
--Thomas à Kempis --Imitation of Christ Book 2, Chapter 10

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May 18th - Saint Eric of Sweden
(also known as Eric the Lawgiver and Eric the Holy,)

d. 1160
Saint Eric IX of Sweden is remembered for his honesty, generosity
toward the Church, and conversion of his people at a time when
Christianity was not well received. King Saint Eric is a model of
courage and faith, at a time when such virtues often resulted in one’s
death. For that reason, Saint Eric, the patron saint of Sweden, is
celebrated as a holy martyr of the Church, having died while attending
Mass on the feast of the Ascension.

Born Eric Jedvardson, the son of an Upland lord, Eric assumed the
throne of Sweden in 1150, following the death of Sverker the Elder.
King Eric IX reigned for 10 years, during which time he governed with
fairness and equality, established law and order, and spread the faith
of Christianity within the country, as well as into the surrounding
pagan lands. Eric was the first to codify Swedish law, doing so based
upon the teachings of Christ in the Bible. He established fair laws
and impartial courts, and charitable programs for the poor and sick
(which were quite rare at that time). He built churches, including the
first cathedral in Sweden, and successfully defended his country from
invasion several times.

Due to his faith, Eric made many enemies, including the ruler of nearby
modern-day Denmark at the time. Following a defeat in battle, for
example, King Eric had sent Christian missionaries into Denmark to
convert the defeated soldiers. During a subsequent brief period of
peace, assassins were sent into Sweden to kill Eric. They found him at
Mass in the cathedral he had built at Uppsala, celebrating the
Ascension of the Lord. His soldiers, having scouted the enemy, warned
the king that a pagan Danish army was approaching to kill him. He
replied, "Let us at least finish the sacrifice (of the Mass). The rest
of the feast I shall keep elsewhere." As he was leaving the church, on
a hill known as “The Lords’ Hill," the Danish army rushed upon him and
killed him by beheading. Holy legend tells us that where his blood
fell, a spring of fresh water sprang up, believed to have miraculous
healing power.

Saint Eric’s relics were placed in a shrine, used in processions, and
placed at rest in the cathedral in Uppsala. Numerous miracles have
been recorded at its side. While Eric has never been officially
canonized, he is recognized locally as a saint, and honored both as an
upholder of the Christian faith and as a national hero-- the ancestor
of a long line of Swedish kings. Within thirty years after his death
his name appeared on the Swedish Calendar, and he is accounted the
principal patron of Sweden, as (for example) Saint Patrick is the
patron of Ireland.

King Saint Eric of Sweden lived in difficult times. It was not unusual
for kings to be assassinated, deposed, or imprisoned for even the
slightest reason, if rivals could build enough support in the army or
the populace. Yet Eric was unafraid, introducing sweeping political,
judicial, social, and spiritual changes throughout not only Sweden,
but also the surrounding countries. His commitment to the improvement
and defense of Sweden, through adherence to the teachings of the
Gospel, eventually led to his death. Even in the moments prior to his
death, Eric recognized the importance of his faith, placing
celebration of Mass before his earthly kingdom. What might we say of
our own priorities? Where do the teachings of Christ rank in our daily
lives?
--by Jacob


Saint Quote:
Consider seriously how quickly people change, and how little trust is
to be had in them; and hold fast to God, who does not change.
--St. Teresa of Avila

Bible Quote:
And eating together with them, he commanded them, that they should not
depart from Jerusalem, but should wait for the promise of the Father,
which you have heard (saith he) by my mouth. 5 For John indeed
baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost,
not many days hence. (Acts 1:4-5)


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Lord, Grant us Your Grace

O Father, most merciful, Who,
in the beginning, created us;
Who, by the Passion of Your only begotten Son,
created us anew.
Work in us now, we beseech You, both to will
and to do your good pleasure!
And because we are weak
and can do no good thing on our own,
grant us Your grace.
Grant us your heavenly benediction,
that in whatever work we undertake
we may do all to Your honour and Your glory;
that being kept from sin,
daily increasing in good works,
so long as we live in the body,
we may always give service to You –
and after our departure,
we may receive pardon for all our sins,
attaining life eternal: through Him who,
with You and the Holy Spirit, lives and reigns,
God, forevermore. Amen.
--St Anselm of Canterbury