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Our prayers and religious practices must be consistent with the beliefs that we say we hold. They must not be merely external observances. But at the same time belief without appropriate practice is meaningless.
Following Jesus, I will transcend my judgments and the mores of society to see the holiness in each person. I will view each person–even those whom I tend to marginalize–as God’s beloved children, worthy of my respect even when I must challenge their politics or behaviors.
Saint John Eudes was a noted preacher and confessor. He founded several seminaries because he saw the need for clerical formation. He also founded a couple of religious communities to address other needs that he saw. Saint John had a great devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary.
God is not a faceless, impersonal force but a loving father. Our neighbor is not just one more creature but a precious person. We ourselves are not just servants but God’s beloved children.
I see heaven as one infinitely loving gathering of God’s people…one that will never end.
Spanish De La Salle Brother Jaime Barbal was forced to give up teaching Latin because of his hearing deterioration. When he was arrested during the Spanish Civil War his attorneys encouraged him not to mention being a religious brother. But Jaime refused and was executed by a firing squad.
Born into royalty and headed for the throne of his father, Saint Louis of Toulouse renounced his status, became a Franciscan, and was named a bishop. It was during the years that he was held hostage and under the tutelage of the Friars, that Saint Louis began to realize his call to something other than the throne.
God’s plan is not addressed to a few special people. It is offered to everybody–good and bad, rich and poor. If the invitation is rejected at first it is offered again. God is not content until the places are full.
Children see things simply, speaking directly because their honesty comes from their hearts and is totally sincere. This is especially true in their relationships with God.
Transformation from greedy and surly businesswoman to saint is the story of Saint Joan of the Cross. Her conversion is credited to an elderly woman who most people thought was crazy, but who reached Saint Joan’s heart. Joan of the Cross went on to found a religious congregation and several charitable institutions.
