We are all poor beggars in need of God

[Weedy]

We are all poor beggars in need of God

Jesus seems to say that it is nearly impossible for the rich to live
as citizens of God's kingdom. The camel was regarded as the largest
animal known by the Jews where Jesus lived and taught. The "eye of the
needle" could be interpreted quite literally or it could figuratively
describe the narrow and low gate of the city walls which was used by
travelers when the larger public gate was locked at night. Normal
sized people had to "lower" themselves to enter that gate. A camel
would literally have to kneel and crawl through it. Until we humbly
kneel before the Lord and acknowledge our total need and dependence on
him, we will not find true peace, security, and happiness that can
sustain us now and forever. Only God alone can satisfy our deepest
need and longing.

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September 1st – Saint Verena of Zurich

The virgin Verena came from Upper Egypt and followed the troops into
Europe. She lived in Milan in the home of a holy man named Maximus for
some years, visiting prisoners and comforting those who had lost loved
ones through martyrdom. When she heard about the martyrdom of St.
Victor of Soluthurn, one of the Theban legion, she crossed the Alps to
Aguanum and stayed at the home of a Theban fugitive not far from
there.

Afterwards, St. Verena retired to a narrow cave where she spent her
time in prayer, fasting, and repentance. She supported herself by
means of handwork, which a Christian woman nearby sold to the pagan
Germans. Eventually she became widely known, and became a spiritual
mother to many, especially young maidens. Healings occurred through
her prayers. She restored vision, guided all that came to her on the
path of piety, and even taught proper hygienic practices. Finally, as
more people became aware of her, she was arrested by the Roman
authorities. St. Maurice appeared to her in prison to comfort her. She
was finally released after healing the Roman governor.

To escape the resulting fame, she fled to a small island where the Aar
and Rhine rivers meet. There she freed the island from serpents,
nursed the sick, and healed the blind and lame. Afterwards she went to
Tenedo (Zurzach) and founded a church dedicated to the Mother of God.
She lived at the home of the local priest, but because he fully
trusted her, it stirred up jealousy in the village people. In spite of
this, she cared for the poor, cleansed the lepers, and devoted herself
to the needy. Due to the continued jealous slanders, she begged the
priest to build her a segregated cell, where she lived for her
remaining eleven years in prayer and fasting, healing those who came
to her and guiding whoever sought her counsel.

On the day of her repose, she was granted a vision of the Most Holy
Theotokos and Ever-Virgin Mary. Her cell later became a shrine and was
one of the most frequented places of pilgrimage in that region. The
first monastic enclosure of Canton Aargau was built at the site of her
tomb.


Saint Quote:
The trouble is that everyone talks about reforming others and no one
thinks about reforming himself.
--St. Peter of Alcantara

Bible Quote:
But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach a gospel to you besides
that which we have preached to you, let him be anathema. As we said
before, so now I say again: If any one preach to you a gospel, besides
that which you have received, let him be anathema. (Galatians 1:8-9)


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Prayer to Our Mother of Perpetual Help in Sickness

Mother of Perpetual Help, you know how much I suffer because of my
sickness. Not only my body but my soul is also affected. I do not even
have the strength to pray as I should. Nothing gives me any relief.
Even the visits and compassion of my friends bring me no comfort. My
courage is beginning to fail; impatience and sadness are having their
effect on me. Most tender and loving Mother, in my feelings of
distress, I put all my trust in you. Your compassionate heart will
surely have pity on me. Merciful Mother, do not forget your devoted,
afflicted child.

(here mention your sickness).
Ask your Son, Jesus, to give me the courage and strength to accept my
sickness as the will of God and to bear it with patience and
resignation. If it is God's will, intercede for me in recovering my
former good health; but if it is God's will that I continue to suffer,
or, that this sickness should lead me to a better life, I am perfectly
resigned. Loving Mother, I am confident you will obtain the grace to
do whatever God asks for me. Amen.