Keep peace in contradictions

[Rich]

Keep peace in contradictions

Granting the principle laid down in this chapter, that true peace
consists much more in humbly submitting to what is contrary to our
inclinations, than in meeting with nothing to thwart them, we must
resolve to keep peace in contradictions, and to be calm in the midst
of storms, patiently and meekly enduring persecution and all the evil
that others may do or say against us. A soul that is truly humble
complains only of itself; it endeavors to excuse others, while it
blames itself, and is angry with no one but itself. I am resolved
therefore, to live in peace with God, by obeying Him in all things; in
peace with my neighbor, by not censuring his conduct or interfering
with his affairs; and in peace with myself, by combating and subduing,
on all occasions the emotions and repugnances of my heart.
--Thomas à Kempis, From the Imitation of Christ

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• 12 November – Saint Astricus of Esztergom

(Died c 1035)
Archbishop of Esztergom, the first Archbishop of the Hungarian
Church, Confessor, Monk, Abbot, Missionary, Born in Bohemia as Radla
and died in c 1035 of natural causes. Patronage – Hungary. Also known
as – Astricus of Ungarn, Anastasius XIX, Astericus Anastasius, Astrik
of Pannonhalma, Ascrick, Astericus, Astrik-Anastaz, Radla.

Radla was a Czech or Croat from Bohemia, who was a Monk in Hungary. He
probably received the habit at Brevnov, taking the name of Anastasius,
of which Astricus is the equivalent. Astricus accompanied Saint
Adalbert in the latter’s missionary work to the Bohemians and became
the first Abbot of Břevnov Monastery. When Adalbert failed to
consolidate his position in Bohemia and left Prague, Astricus went to
the Kingdom of Hungary to help the missionaries among the Magyars.

He first served the wife of Duke Géza. In 997 Astricus became the
first Abbot of the Benedictine Abbey of St Martin’s, the first
ecclesiastical institution in Hungary, founded by Duke Géza. He then
served Géza’s son, who was the great Saint Stephen I of Hungary and
became the first Archbishop of the Hungarian Church.

Astricus served as Stephen’s Ambassador to Pope Sylvester II and
negotiated the recognition of the new Kingdom of Hungary. The Pope
recognised Stephen as King of the Hungarians. Soon after Astricus’
return bringing the Crown with him, Stephen was crowned by him, with
the royal crown sent by Pope Sylvester, granted no doubt at the
instance of the Emperor Otto III, in 1001. Astricus fulfilled the role
of the Advisor to St Stephen on matters of spirit and of state until
Stephen‘s death. He outlived the King and Saint by two years and
spent those last days as a prayerful Monk.

The Assumption Cathedral of Kalocsa was extensively restored between
1907 and 1912. Under the Sanctuary, a red marble archiepiscopal tomb
was excavated in 1910 in the place of the original 11th-century
Cathedral. In addition to the intact skeleton, a gilded silver-headed
crosier, a silver chalice, paten, golden rings, crosses, pallium with
three jeweled gold pins and textile remnants were found. After many
investigations these relics were confirmed as belonging to our Saint
Astricus.

https://anastpaul.com/2021/11/12/


Saint Quote:
Consider God's charity. Where else have we ever seen someone who has
been offended voluntarily paying out his life for those who have
offended him?
-- Saint Catherine of Siena

Bible Quote:
"What am I to do with you, Ephraim [Northern Kingdom]? What am I to do
with you, Judah [Southern Kingdom]? For your love is like morning
mist, like the dew that quickly disappears. This is why I have hacked
them to pieces by means of the prophets, why I have killed them with
words from my mouth, why my sentence will blaze forth like the
dawn--for faithful love [hesed*]pleases me, not sacrifices; knowledge
of God, not burnt offerings." Hosea 6:4-6


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Prayer:
Thou hast said, O Lord, by the mouth of Thy Prophet, seek after peace
and pursue it (Psalms 33:15), that is, cease not to seek it until thou
hast found it. Only Thou, my Jesus, canst bestow it upon me, for Thou
alone didst accomplish my peace and reconciliation with Thy Father
upon the Cross. I have long sought to live in peace with Thee, with my
neighbor, and with myself; but my infidelities, my selfish feelings,
and the sallies of passion are causes of perpetual trouble to my soul,
and hinder me from tasting its sweets. O my Saviour, Thou Who didst
calm the tempest Thou Whom the winds and the sea obeyed, calm the
agitation of my troubled soul, which can nowhere find true repose but
in Thee. Grant that, resigning myself in all things to Thy blessed
will, I may find peace and happiness in being, doing, quitting, and
suffering whatever Thou shalt appoint. Amen.
--Thomas à Kempis, From the Imitation of Christ