The Promised Gift

[Weedy]

The Promised Gift

"Christ grants justification to those who believe in him, simply
because they have faith and not because they serve the law. The
blessing granted to Abraham for his exemplary faith is extended to the
Gentiles, so that we may receive the promised Spirit through faith.
In other words, the promised gift to believers is not a spirit of
outward observance but one of inward devotion inspired by love."
--St. Augustine--Commentary on Galatians 22

Prayer: O truly full of grace! Who can explain this grace? Who is able
to give thanks for this grace?
--St. Augustine--Sermon 290, 5

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November 3: - Saint Hubertus, Patron Saint of Hunters
(656-727)

Today we celebrate the feast day of Saint Hubertus of Liege, the
Apostle of the Ardennes, and patron saint of hunters. Saint Hubertus’
life inspires us to respect all living creatures as creations of the
Almighty, and to find God in the everyday encounters in our lives.

Hubertus was born in the European city of Maastricht, to French
nobility. His father was the Duke of Aquintaine, Bertrand, and he was
the grandson of Charibert, King of Toulouse. As eldest son, Hubertus
was afforded the finer things in life, including the best education,
and plenty of time for leisure. He was drawn to the pleasurable
activities of youth—including gambling and licentiousness-- but
nothing made him happier than hunting. In fact, the chase of animals
was the primary activity in which he spent his days. His love for the
chase was such that he gradually stopped practicing any religious
affiliation, instead spending his days in the fields and woods,
trapping and hunting. Eventually, he was married and with his wife,
conceived a child.

As holy legend tells us, Hubertus was encouraged by his priest to
“give up” hunting for Lent. He refused. Moreover, on Good Friday,
Hubertus chose to go hunting, rather than attend solemn Mass with the
rest of the household. He departed, as was his habit, to the fields to
hunt. Riding his horse, along with his trusted hounds (which today are
referred to by his name), Hubertus was chasing a large and impressive
stag. As he was pursuing this magnificent beast of the forest, the
stag stopped and turned in a sun-drenched clearing.

Hubertus was astounded to see a Holy Crucifix suspended between the
antlers of the creature, and while he stopped, dumbfounded, heard a
voice emanating from the figure of Christ. The voice said to him:
"Hubertus, unless you turn to the Lord, and lead a holy life, you
shall quickly fall into the abyss of Hell!"

Hubert dismounted (rather, fell) immediately from his horse,
prostrated himself on the ground and asked the creature, "Lord, what
would you have me do?"

He immediately received the reply, "Go and seek Bishop Lambert and he
will instruct you."

Hubertus did as he was told. He traveled to visit Lambert, the Bishop
of Maastricht, who upon hearing his tale agreed to become his
spiritual advisor. As Hubertus was drawn into the faith, his pious
wife died during the childbirth of their first son. Taking his freeing
from earthly ties as a sign from the Lord, Hubertus renounced all his
honors, titles and military rank. He further relinquished his
birthright as heir to the Duchy of Aquintaine, bequeathing it to his
younger brother.

Hubertus, at the advice of his spiritual advisor, thereafter sought to
learn self discipline by living as a hermit in the great French
forest, the Ardennes. He distributed his wealth among the poor, and
following a period of discernment and contemplation, was moved to
enter the priesthood.

Following his ordination, he became the assistant administrator of the
diocese, working closely with Bishop Lambert. Upon his urging,
Hubertus made a pilgrimage to Rome to have audience with the pope,
during which Lampert was assassinated. The Pope received a mystical
vision of the good bishop’s death and appointed Hubert as the new
bishop on the spot! Hubert returned to become the 31st Bishop of
Maastricht (and the first Bishop of Liege) and was eventually
described as the "Apostle of the Ardennes." There he worked diligently
to remove the pagan beliefs that continued to thrive in the great
French forest. Upon tracking down the old places of pagan worship, he
would preach to the believers, leaving them, and generally allowing
them to make their own decisions regarding the faith. Without
exception, in every case, the pagan practitioners destroyed their own
places of worship, converting to the Christian faith.

Saint Hubertus became known for his preaching skills, as well as his
generosity to the poor. During his bishopric, he transformed the
manner in which tithing was used, caring for the basic needs of the
poor, rather than investing in grand buildings, fine robes, and golden
adornments. He further reportedly worked many miracles, exorcising
those possessed by demons and curing illnesses (including rabies)
after making the Sign of the Cross over the ill. Saint Hubertus also
possessed a gentle manner with dogs, who took to him with both
fidelity and love. The breed commonly known as bloodhounds are also
called Saint Hubert’s hounds.

After many years, during which he dedicated churches, and preached
with great effect to those around him, Saint Hubertus had a vision of
his impending death. Without slowing down his preaching schedule, he
feel sick, and within days died peacefully while praying the Lord’s
Prayer. Saint Hubert died at Tervueren, near Brussels, Belgium, in the
springtime. His feast, however, is celebrated in November due to his
love of hunting, which he never lost throughout his life.

Saint Hubert’s life reminds us that that the messages of the Lord can
come during the most unlikely situations, from the most unlikely of
messengers. An activity that had clearly become idolistic for Saint
Hubert was used by the Lord to bring him back to the faith. Similarly,
we are reminded to look around our lives, to those situations, people,
and activities who have become paramount and draw out attention away
from Our Creator. What might we do today—and who or what might we
encounter—that brings us back to the Lord?
by Jacob


Great St. Hubert, you were passionate about hunting, but when touched
by Divine Grace, you put down your bow and took up the collar of
Priesthood. Known for your miracles and the conversion of hundreds,
you convinced others to worship and glorify Our Lord.

Moved by your example, I implore your help. I ask for the Grace to
follow in your footsteps and become a passionate disciple of Christ.
Amen.

Saint Quote:
Conform yourself as closely as possible to His humility and gentleness
in dealing with your neighbor. . . Love those who humble and
contradict you, for they are more useful to your perfection than those
who flatter you.
--St. Margaret Mary Alacoque

Bible Quote:
Whosoever committeth sin committeth also iniquity. And sin is
iniquity. And you know that he appeared to take away our sins: and in
him there is no sin. Whosoever abideth in him sinneth not: and
whosoever sinneth hath not seen him nor known him. (1 John 3:4-6) DRB


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O Lord, Have Mercy upon Me, a Sinner
By St Wulfstan (c 1008–1095)
Bishop of Worcester

O Lord,
have mercy upon me, a sinner.
Establish my heart in Your will.
Grant me true repentance for my sins,
give a right faith
and true charity,
patience in adversity
and moderation in prosperity.
Help me and all my friends and family,
all who ask for and trust in my prayers.
Show mercy to all who have done me good
and helped me to the knowledge of good
and grant everlasting forgiveness
to all who have spoken or thought
evil against me.
To You, my God and to all Your holy ones,
be praise and glory forever,
for all the benefits which You have granted me
and for all Your mercy,
shown to me, a sinner.
Amen