Replies

December 23, 2014

Today is the feast of St. John of Kanty who was born on June 23, 1390 and canonized in 1767. He is the patron saint of Poland and Lithuania. As a priest, his philosophy in life was to “fight all error but do it with good humor, patience, kindness and love. Harshness will damage your own soul and spoil the best cause.” His life was a reflection of this philosophy. He was unjustly accused by his rivals in the university because they were envious of his popularity among the students. Not given the possibility to defend himself, he was expelled and assigned to a rural parish. At first, the townspeople were hostile and suspicious of this disgraced priest. For eight years, John showed no anger or impatience but continued to exhibit genuine love and concern for them. When he was exonerated and transferred to Krakow the once hostile parishioners begged him to stay. The saint resumed his work as a professor of sacred scriptures and was well loved by all.

Is it possible for us to forgive and love our enemies? St. John’s life is a testimony for us. “If you do have to suffer for doing good, you should count it a blessing (1 Pt 3:13).” So now that Christmas is fast approaching, what can you offer to the Lord? Your love and goodness? Yes. But more than that, your love and goodness to your fellowman. Be generous to the poor and lowly during these remaining days of Advent and you will find yourself suddenly transported to the manger in Bethlehem gazing at the baby Jesus with Mary and Joseph at his side.

One Bread, One Body

Language: English | Español

All Issues > Volume 31, Issue 1

<< Tuesday, December 23, 2014 >>

St. John of Kanty

Malachi 3:1-4, 23-24
View Readings

Psalm 25:4-5, 8-10, 14

Luke 1:57-66
Similar Reflections

FATHERS: REPRESENT THE HEAVENLY FATHER

"...to turn the hearts of the fathers to their children, and the hearts of the children to their fathers..." —Malachi 3:24

Many earthly fathers don't have hearts for their children. In today's culture, there is an epidemic of fatherless children whose father is still alive. Sadly, too many children are "fatherless" even though their dad lives in the same house. Many fathers also do not have a heart for their possible future children. The job of a father is difficult, and is greatly under attack by Satan and his pawns who shape the modern, secular culture.

However, God calls fathers to one of the greatest causes in history: to represent Father God to their wives and children. This is an irreplaceable role in a child's life. God the Father loves all people with an everlasting love; fathers are called to teach this truth to their children through their constant fatherly love (see Jer 31:3). God the Father knows what His people need and provides for them without fail; fathers are likewise called to faithfully spend their lives trusting in God's provision for their family and working diligently to provide for their children (see Mt 6:32ff).

Fathers, do you have more faith in God's ability to provide for all the children He will send you, or do you have more faith in the constraints of a difficult economy, a rising cost of living, and soaring costs of education and health care? Do you use your tongues to bless God (Lk 1:68) or speak of all the reasons you shouldn't have children?

By their trust or fear, fathers teach their children to trust God the Father or not. Fathers, God has put the future of the world in your hands. Therefore, trust in God at all times (Ps 62:9).

Prayer: Father, raise up many godly fathers to transform this culture of death into a civilization of life.

Promise: "The friendship of the Lord is with those who fear Him." —Ps 25:14

Praise: "O Emmanuel, King and Lawgiver, Desire of the nations, Savior of all people, come and set us free, Lord our God."