— Romans 15:7 —
Weedy
Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to
bring praise
to God.
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The jury is still out on how many hugs we need in order to be healthy
- studies
suggest anywhere from four to twelve per day. Whatever the number, all
of us
need a simple embrace every now and then, an expression of acceptance
and love.
In Jesus, God our Father runs toward us, the prodigal, and embraces
us. It's not
that we are sinless. It's that he is merciful. And by his mercy, we
are able to
live our lives in an embrace with God.
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November 27th - St. Maximus of Riez
Born at Decomer (Châteauredon near Digne), Provence, France; died 460.
Saint
Maximus was baptized in infancy and raised in a Christian home, where
he lived a
reclusive life at home in order to mortify his senses and train his
will.
Finally he decided to enter religious life in the community of Lérins,
which was
then under the direction of its founder, Saint Honoratus. When
Honoratus was
consecrated archbishop of Arles in 426, Maximus was chosen to be the
second
abbot of Lérins to succeed its founder. Saint Sidonius records that
the
monastery acquired a new luster because the prudent conduct and bright
example
of Saint Maximus were such that the monks did not mind the severities
of the
rule; they obeyed him cheerfully and quickly.
Maximus was also favored with the gift of working miracles which
supplemented
his reputation for great sanctity. So many came to consult him that he
eventually had to hide in a forest to escape those seeking to make him
bishop of
Fréjus. Later he was promoted to the see of Riez in Provence and much
against
his will, in 434, received the episcopal consecration from Saint
Hilary. (He had
fled to the coast of Italy in an attempt to shun the dignity.) He was
one of the
most prominent prelates of the church of Gaul in his time. Throughout
his
episcopacy, he continued to wear his hair shirt and habit, and observe
the
monastic rule as far as it was compatible with his episcopal
functions.
Among the sermons wrongly attributed to Eusebius Emisenus are several
now
ascribed to Saint Maximus. He attended the councils of Riez in 439,
Orange I in
441, and Arles in 454. His body now rests in the cathedral of Riez,
which is
dedicated to the Blessed Virgin and Saint Maximus (Attwater 2,
Benedictines,
Coulson, Husenbeth).
Saint Quote:
"Observe ... in the Scriptures, the unfortunate rich man in Hell. ...
This man
had committed none of those great crimes which human justice punishes;
he had
simply enjoyed the good things of the world too much. He is condemned
[by God]
without hope, without consolation, for ever and ever!"
-St. Peter Eymard (Founder, 1811-68) - "The Eucharist and Christian
Perfection "
Bible Quotes:
"There was a certain rich man, who was clothed in purple and fine
linen, and
feasted sumptuously every day. ... And it came to pass that the beggar
died, and
was carried by the angels into Abraham's bosom. And the rich man also
died: and
he was buried in hell. And lifting up his eyes when he was in
torments, he saw
Abraham afar off and Lazarus in his bosom:" (Luke 16: 19, 22-23)
"I [Jesus Christ, God Almighty] say to you: but except you do penance,
you shall
all likewise perish." (Luke 13:5)
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Prayer for Priests by the Discalced Carmelite Nuns
Let Us Pray For:
The Holy Father - Fill him with your grace, Lord.
Cardinals, Archbishops, and Bishops - Give them your gifts, Lord.
Diocesan priests - Never leave them, Lord.
Priests in seminary work - Give them constancy, Lord.
Priests who are ill - Heal them, Lord.
Priests in danger - Deliver them, Lord.
Priests who are weak - Strengthen them, Lord.
Priests who are poor - Relieve them, Lord.
Priests who are zealous - Help them, Lord.
Priests who want to love you - Enkindle their hearts, Lord.
Priests who are sad - Console them, Lord.
Priests who are worried - Give them peace, Lord.
Priests who are young - Impel them for your glory, Lord.
Priests who are alone - Accompany them, Lord.
Missionary Priests - Protect them, Lord.
Priests who are preachers - Enlighten them, Lord.
Priests who direct souls - Instruct them, Lord
Parish priests - Give them prudence, Lord.
Religious priests - Make them perfect, Lord.
Priests and religious who have died - Bring them to glory, Lord.
On all the Church, militant and suffering - Lord, have mercy.
For all priests
- Give them your wisdom, Lord.
- Give them virtues.
- Give them patience and charity.
- Give them obedience and kindness.
- Give them a burning zeal for souls.
- Give them an intense love for the Eucharist.
- Give them loyalty to the Holy See and to their Bishops.
- Give them respect for their dignity.
- Give them a great love for Mary.
- Give them rectitude and justice.
- Give them the gift of counsel.
- Give them strength in their labors.
- Give them peace in their sufferings.
- Give them humility and generosity.
- Let them be the light of the souls.
- Let them be the salt of the earth.
- Let them practice sacrifice and self-denial.
- Let them enkindle hearts with the love of Mary.
- Let them be other Christs.
- Let them be holy in body and soul.
- May they be men of prayer.
- May faith shine forth in them.
- May they be concerned only for the salvation of souls.
- May their hands know only how to bless.
- May they burn with love for You and for Mary
- May all their steps be for the glory of God.
- May the Holy Spirit possess them, and give them his gifts
- and fruits in abundance.
Let us pray.
O God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, you are the soul and
the life of the Church. Hear the prayers we offer for priests.
We ask this through the Immaculate Heart of Mary, their
protector and guide. Amen.