On the Proof of a True Lover [V]

[Rich]

On the Proof of a True Lover [V]

Give battle, like a good soldier,(2 Tim.2:3) and if through weakness
you sometimes fall, take greater strength than before and put your
trust in My more abundant grace. Be also on your guard against vain
complacency and conceit, for this leads many into error, and causes
almost incurable blindness of heart. Let the overthrow of the proud,
who presumed in their own strength, be a warning to you and keep you
always humble.
--Thomas à Kempis --Imitation of Christ Bk 3, Ch 6

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July 3rd – St. Anatolius of Alexandria
(Also known as Anatolius of Laodicea)

Born in Alexandria, Egypt; died c. 283. Anatolius, one of the greatest
scholars of his age, headed the Aristotelian school at Alexandria.
Fragments of the 10 volumes on mathematics that he wrote have come
down to us, and he was also a master of geometry, physics, rhetoric,
dialectic, astronomy, and philosophy. Hypercritical Saint Jerome
commends his work, which should be considered high praise indeed.

Constantly seeking to improve his knowledge and understanding, he
turned his inquiring mind to every subject that came to hand, and not
least to the mysteries of God, without whom his studies and life would
have been meaningless. He viewed learning as a spiritual as well as an
intellectual discipline, for it taught honesty and respect for the
truth, gave the student a sense of the infinite magnitude of God's
work, and filled the soul with humility.

Despite his reputation as the leading scholar of a town famed for its
scholarship, Anatolius was never conceited or arrogant. If he
sometimes considered ignorance, particularly among Christians, as
almost a sin, he nevertheless showed a sincere friendship for poor and
uneducated people. Instead of snubbing them, he humbly set himself to
learn from them, for there was always something new to be learned,
some truth about man or nature.

As a scholar, and more importantly as a Christian, he knew that no
piece of God's handiwork should be passed by with indifference. Though
his reason and intellect were the principal instruments he used in his
search for truth, he also understood their limitations when confronted
with the wider mystery of God.

His intelligence and his willingness to serve his fellow man led him
to accept several important posts in the administration of his city,
which at the time was part of the Roman Empire. It was thanks to him
that in 263 a large number of its inhabitants was saved from
starvation. A few years earlier Emilian had seized power in Alexandria
and had himself proclaimed emperor, but a Roman army under Theodosius
was quickly dispatched against him. Theodosius laid siege to the town,
which was not expected to be able to hold out for long.

Making use of his friendship with Eusebius, a deacon who later became
bishop of Laodicea, and who had accompanied the Roman army, Anatolius
obtained permission for all the women, children, old men and sick
people to leave Alexandria. This proved to be a tactical victory as
well as an act of mercy. The besieged forces, relieved of the burden
of feeding useless mouths and of caring for those who could not bear
arms, were able to prolong their resistance.

Perhaps because he had dangerously compromised himself in this affair,
Anatolius then left Alexandria and went to Caesarea in Palestine,
where his fame had already preceded him. Theoctenes, the bishop of
Caesarea, esteemed him so highly that he consecrated him as his
successor and at once passed on to him a large part of his
responsibilities.

In 268, they were both summoned to the Council of Antioch, but as they
were passing through Laodicea they were politely but firmly stopped by
the clergy and people. Eusebius, their bishop, had just died and they
saw Anatolius's sudden arrival as a gift from God. Anatolius had no
choice but to accept, and it was as bishop of Laedicea that he died
(Benedictines, Encyclopedia).

In art, Saint Anatolius is portrayed as a bishop with globes and
mathematical books (Roeder).


Saint Quote:
Let us meditate today on the condition of our soul. Are we making a
sincere effort to rectify our intentions, to sanctify our daily
responsibilities? There are things we fail to remember, not because we
have short memories but because we are short of love. The person in
love does not forget.
--St Teresa of Avila

Bible Quote
And who shall be able to think of the day of his coming? and who shall
stand to see him? for he is like a refining fire, and like the
fuller's herb: (Malachias 3:2)


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Be simple as doves. [Matt. 10:16 ] July: Simplicity

20. In human life prudence is indeed necessary, that we may be
circumspect in our actions and know how to adapt ourselves to the
dispositions of others.
--St. Vincent de Paul

By this virtue the same Saint regulated his actions so well that he
succeeded in every undertaking and therefore gained such a reputation
for prudence that he was commonly considered one of the wisest men of
his time. As a result, persons of every condition and state, even
those most conspicuous for rank or learning, had recourse to him as to
an oracle in all affairs of importance for direction and advice.

St. Jane Frances de Chantal was so remarkable for this virtue that
many celebrated Bishops regulated their dioceses, and many also their
own consciences, by her wise counsels. Even St. Francis de Sales, her
beloved spiritual father, and St. Vincent de Paul, her director after
him, consulted with her upon their most important business and
depended much upon her wise decisions.
("A Year with the Saints". July: Simplicity)