Gospel Mark 3:31-35
REFLECTION
"Here are my mother and my brothers.
For whoever does the will of God is my brother and sister and mother."
How many times have we prayed the Our Father.
Our Father, who art in heaven,
Hallowed be thy name.
Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses
as we forgive those who trespass against us.
Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen
(Matthew 6: 9-13)
"Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven"? How can we live in God's Will? St. Francis de Sales' life is an example of someone living in the Will of God.
St. Francis de Sales had an early calling to the Lord. St. Francis was quiet, intelligent, and devoted to the Lord. He was also very patient.
At the age of 24, Francis received a doctorate in law. Still, he was drawn to study theology. His father wanted his son to know the law and eventually get involved in politics.
But while riding his horse one day, Francis was thrown from it three times. Each time he was thrown his sword came out of its scabbard and formed a cross. Francis believed this sign signified that it was God's Will he should become a priest. In 1593 he became a priest and chief administrative officer of the Diocese of Geneva.
Francis lived near Calvinists at the time of the Protestant Reformation. He was compelled to visit their homes and try to catechize them in the Catholic faith. None of the people would listen or open their doors to him. So he decided to write pamphlets that gave them information about Catholic beliefs. He would deliver these pamphlets by sliding them under the doors. These were the first religious tracts used to bring Catholics back to the faith.
His patience and perseverance paid off. He brought 40,000 people back to the Catholic church.
Introduction to the Devout Life and A Treatise on the Love of God were two of his most famous books, but Francis also wrote many letters giving spiritual advice. Francis is the patron saint of the deaf, authors, journalists, and writers.
Let us pray to have a spirit of obedience to God's Will, perseverance, and patience like St. Francis de Sales.
Let us discern God's Will for us and what better way to do this is to join us in studying the Gospel from the biblical context at FACE ZBS this Wednesday!
God bless you all!
Resources
https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-francis-de-sales/
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