WEDNESDAY OF THE THIRD WEEK OF LENT MARCH 10, 2021

MASS READINGS

A Reading from Dt 4:1, 5-9

Moses spoke to the people and said: “Now, Israel, hear the statutes and decrees which I am teaching you to observe, that you may live, and may enter in and take possession of the land which the LORD, the God of your fathers, is giving you. Therefore, I teach you the statutes and decrees as the LORD, my God, has commanded me, that you may observe them in the land you are entering to occupy. Observe them carefully, for thus will you give evidence of your wisdom and intelligence to the nations, who will hear of all these statutes and say, ‘This great nation is truly a wise and intelligent people.’ For what great nation is there that has gods so close to it as the LORD, our God, is to us whenever we call upon him? Or what great nation has statutes and decrees that are as just as this whole law which I am setting before you today? “However, take care and be earnestly on your guard not to forget the things which your own eyes have seen, nor let them slip from your memory as long as you live, but teach them to your children and to your children’s children.”

REFLECTION: “However, take care and be earnestly on your guard not to forget the things which your own eyes have seen, nor let them slip from your memory as long as you live, but teach them to your children and to your children’s children.”

In many ways the Catholic Church helps us to keep memory of the past.

One of these types of memories, is the biographies of the Saints.

Who are the Saints?

A great definition of who a Saint is has been given to us by our spiritual director, Father Michael: "Throughout human history many notable individuals had confronted the same problems as we do today, but they have learned to master themselves and how to handle, not solve, these life mysteries in the process."

I recall a story about the conversion of St. Ignatius of Loyola. He was a fierce Spanish soldier, who was wounded after a battle and he had to spend many months in bed rest for his recovery. At a certain point the tedium of inaction got to him and he requested some chivalry books be brought to him so he could pass the time. None of those were available where he was staying. Instead, they had books on the lives of the saints. So he started reading these biographies. And by the example of these men and women his conversion started.

Many times we think of the Saints as being old people stuffed in a monastery; away from the world and indifferent from everyday problems.

We cannot be more wrong. The path of sainthood is not only prayer, but also action. It is sharing other's sufferings, and helping as much as we can to alleviate them.

Saints come in every age, state in life, and even ability.

Saint Andre Besset, Blessed Solanus Casey, Saint Martin of Porres, and Saint Gerard Majella served as porters, gardeners, cooks in their monasteries. They took time to help the poor in their communities and counsel those in need.

Blessed Margaret of Castello was born blind, with a severe curvature in the spine, and other malformities. Her disabilities did not hinder her vocation and she became a Third Order Dominican. She nursed the sick, consoled the dying, and visited prisoners.

St. Alphonsus Liguori also suffered from terrible arthritis. Later in his life his spine was so curved his chin touched his chest, this was very uncomfortable. Even painful. He suffered pain with love. And teaches us how to endure and love vicissitudes.

There are other saints from all walks of life:

* Soldiers like St. Ignatius, Joan of Arc, George, Francis of Assisi.

* Doctors like St. Luke, Gianna Beretta Molla, Giuseppe Moscati.

* Lawyers like St. Toribio de Mogrejo, Alphonsus of Liguori, Thomas More,

* Astronomers like St. Dominic, Bl. Herman of Reichenau, and Bl. Francesco Faa di Bruno.

* Young people: Bl. Chiara Luce Badano, Bl. Pier Giorgio, Bl. Carlo Acutis, Sts. Jacinta and Francisco Marto, Bl. Laura Vicuña, and St. Dominic Savio, among many.

Formed.org has a great free audio and video library full of the Saints biographies. The audio dramas are great for listening while carpooling. The videos make them great selection for family movie night.

I do hear my children complain at first when I start streaming these movies. At later on, they don't want to go to bed before finishing them.

Let us spend some time getting acquainted with the Saints; not forgetting what these memories of the past mean for us today; and how they can help us with their example and their intercession.

God bless y'all!