On Jesus and the Incarnation:

[Weedy]

On Jesus and the Incarnation:

Since we cannot, as yet, understand that He was begotten by the Father
before the day-star, let us celebrate His birth of the Virgin in the
nocturnal hours. Since we do not comprehend how His name existed
before the light of the sun, let us recognize His tabernacle placed in
the sun. Since we do not, as yet, gaze upon the Son inseparably united
with His Father, let us remember Him as the ‘bridegroom coming out of
his bride chamber.’ Since we are not yet ready for the banquet of our
Father, let us grow familiar with the manger of our Lord Jesus Christ.
--Saint Augustine

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July 21st – Saint Lawrence of Brindisi, Doctor, Miracle Worker

(1559-1619)
Saint Lawrence of Brindisi was one of the most famous Capuchin
preachers and theologians of the 16th century, Saint Lawrence is
renowned for his complete and thorough refutation of the doctrines of
Martin Luther. Like his spiritual father, St Francis of Assisi, St
Lawrence embodied a deep devotion to the Our Blessed Mother, Mary, and
was among the first to write on all aspects of theology that concerns
the Blessed Virgin. Proclaimed a Doctor of the Church in 1959 by Pope
John XXIII, the writings of St Lawrence remain a treasure of the faith
today, particularly those expounding upon the majesty and importance
of the Virgin Mother of Christ.

Born Julius Caesar at Brindisi in Naples, Lawrence received his
saint’s name upon entering the Capuchins at age 16, following his
education by Franciscans at the Venice College of Saint Mark. A gifted
scholar, St Lawrence learned and mastered Hebrew, Greek, German,
Bohemian, Spanish, and French, as well as his native Italian. Able to
read Scriptures in the languages they were originally written in, he
further excelled at theological studies, and during his education was
recognized for his piety and abilities to interpret and explain both
Scripture and Church doctrine.

As a member of the Capuchins, following his ordination, he became
known for his extraordinary sermons, specifically on the Mother of God. He
was dispatched by the pope to establish Capuchin houses throughout
Germany and northern Europe, founding friaries at Prague, Vienna, and
Gorizia (modern provinces of Bohemia, Austria, and Styria). Lawrence
further served as chaplain to the Christian soldiers defending Hungary
against the invading Muslims, organizing the troops, and leading them
into battle. Despite being greatly outnumbered, St Lawrence--through
his ardent faith--convinced the generals to lead the troops into
battle. He is largely regarded as being responsible for the Christian
victory, and the repulsion of the Muslim invaders. Further, as founder
of the Catholic League, he rallied Christian leaders from Germany,
Hungary, and Spain to defend Christians on the European continent.

Saint Lawrence is also remembered for his compassion for the poor,
sick, and needy. At age 33 he was elected minister-general of the
Capuchins, after which he visited every friary in the 34 provinces of
the order across Europe, directing the work of over 9000 brothers. His
combination of brilliance, human compassion and administrative skill
allowed him to carry out his duties with great success. Instrumental
in the Catholic Restoration, he attended and facilitated the Council
of Trent, described by Pope Benedict XV as having earned "a truly
distinguished place among the most outstanding men ever raised up by
Divine Providence to assist the Church in time of distress."

St Lawrence is also remembered for his sanctity and miracle working.
While he was Provincial Superior of his order he cured a blind man in
front of many witnesses. At the court of Philip III of Spain he cured
a woman who was paralyzed. Once while stopping with some companions at
an inn a rowdy customer began to ridicule the friars. Getting no
reaction he resorted to blasphemy and even mocked the crucifix that
the saint was wearing. “To vindicate the honor of this cross which you
have blasphemed, may God punish you!” Immediately the man dropped dead
to the floor before the stunned diners. Finally, at Milan, there was a
young boy covered with sores and so deformed that he could not remove
his head from his left shoulder while his right arm was held fast to
his chest. After receiving a blessing from Father Lawrence the boy’s
wounds dried up and his head and limbs were set free in the sight of
family and neighbors. His Masses often lasted six to ten hours, the
longest taking 16 hours. One witness observed him levitate 3 feet
above the floor for an hour and a half while celebrating the Holy
Sacrifice of the Mass.

Saint Lawrence fell ill while traveling between Italy and Spain on a
mission of mercy, and passed away in Lisbon exactly 60 years to the
date of his birth. His body was buried in the church of the Poor
Clares at Villafranca del Bierzo in Spain. As a Doctor of the Church,
his legacy in prolific writing remains, as well as his ardent faith
and courage in defense of the Lord.
by Jacob

Saint Quote:
"For the word of God is a light to the mind and a fire to the will. It
enables man to know God and to love him. And for the interior man who
lives by the Spirit of God through grace, it is bread and water…For
the soul is a spiritual treasure of merits yielding an abundance of
gold and precious stones. Against the hardness of heart that persists
in wrongdoing, it acts as a hammer. Against the world, the flesh and
the devil it serves as a sword that destroys all sin."
--Saint Lawrence of Brindisi

Bible Quote
Seek counsel always of a wise man. (Tobias 4:19)

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Psalm 128: The Happy Home of the Just Man

1 Blessed are all who fear the LORD,
who walk in his ways.
2 You will eat the fruit of your labor;
blessings and prosperity will be yours.
3 Your wife will be like a fruitful vine
within your house;
your sons will be like olive shoots
around your table.
4 Thus is the man blessed
who fears the LORD.
5 May the LORD bless you from Zion
all the days of your life;
may you see the prosperity of Jerusalem,
6 and may you live to see your children's children.
Peace be upon Israel. Psalm 128:1-6