Pope St. Leo the Great

Pope St. Leo the Great reigned for twenty-one years, from 440 to 461, during one of the most turbulent periods in the history of the Roman Empire. He is the first pope in history to have been given the title "the Great," and for good reason. He was a man of extraordinary courage, deep holiness, and remarkable intellectual ability. He defended the Catholic Faith against heresy, strengthened the authority of the papacy, and provided spiritual leadership during a time when the Western Roman Empire was rapidly collapsing. But perhaps the most dramatic event of his pontificate was his extraordinary encounter with Attila the Hun, the terrifying military conqueror who threatened to destroy Rome.

Leo was born in Italy in the early fifth century. Little is known about his childhood, but it is clear that he received an excellent education and developed an early reputation for intelligence, wisdom, and holiness. Before becoming pope, he served the Church in important positions and was frequently called upon to assist in resolving difficult disputes. He was especially respected for his ability to bring peace and unity to situations that threatened to divide the Church.

In 440, while Leo was away on an important diplomatic mission in Gaul, Pope Sixtus III died. Leo was unanimously chosen to succeed him. He returned to Rome and was consecrated pope on September 29, 440. From the beginning of his pontificate, he understood that the Church needed strong leadership, not only to defend the Faith but also to guide the Christian people through a period of political uncertainty and social upheaval.

One of his greatest contributions was his defense of the true nature of Jesus Christ. During this period, serious controversies were troubling the Church concerning the relationship between Christ's divinity and His humanity. Some teachers were presenting ideas that diminished either His divine nature or His human nature. Pope Leo insisted that Jesus Christ is one divine Person possessing two complete natures, divine and human, without confusion or separation. His teaching was expressed with extraordinary clarity in a document known as the Tome of Leo, which he sent to St. Flavian, the Patriarch of Constantinople, in 449. This document became especially important at the Council of Chalcedon in 451, where the bishops received Leo's teaching with great enthusiasm, famously declaring, "Peter has spoken through Leo!"

Another important aspect of Leo's pontificate was his understanding of the authority entrusted to the Bishop of Rome. He firmly taught that the pope, as Successor of St. Peter, had a special responsibility for preserving the unity of the Church and safeguarding the apostolic faith. He understood that this authority was not a personal privilege, but a sacred responsibility given by Christ Himself. His letters and sermons reveal a pope who was deeply conscious of his obligation to shepherd the entire Church.

But while Leo was defending the Faith, a terrible danger was approaching from the north. The Huns were a nomadic people whose origins lay in Central Asia. They had migrated westward, conquering and devastating territories wherever they went. Until Attila emerged as their leader in the fifth century, they had been a rather loosely organized collection of tribes. Attila united them into a formidable military force and became one of the most feared conquerors of his age. His armies swept across Europe, leaving destruction in their wake.

By 452, Attila had invaded northern Italy. Cities such as Aquileia, Milan, and Padua had suffered terribly, and the inhabitants of the peninsula lived in fear. Attila now threatened to continue southward toward Rome itself. The Roman emperor and his officials were deeply concerned, and there appeared to be little military power capable of stopping him.

Pope Leo, however, was not prepared to abandon Rome or its people. Trusting in God, he undertook an extraordinary mission. Accompanied by two important Roman officials, Avienus and Trigetius, he traveled north to meet Attila near the River Mincio, close to Mantua. It was an astonishing act of courage. Leo had no army, no weapons, and no military power with which to compel the conqueror. His authority rested upon his office as Vicar of Christ and his confidence in divine providence.

What happened during that meeting has become one of the most celebrated episodes in the history of the papacy. Attila agreed to withdraw from Italy rather than advance upon Rome. The precise reasons for his decision are not entirely known. Negotiations, the prospect of receiving tribute, difficulties with supplies, and the pressures facing his army may all have contributed to his withdrawal.

Christian tradition, however, has preserved a particularly remarkable account, which tells that Attila saw an apparition of St. Peter and St. Paul standing beside Pope Leo, holding drawn swords and threatening him if he proceeded with his attack. Attila was so terrified by this heavenly vision that he immediately agreed to withdraw. Although this supernatural detail is not found in the earliest historical accounts, it became a cherished expression of the Church's belief that the Successor of Peter is never without the protection of the Holy Apostles themselves.

Leo's courage would be tested again in 455, when the Vandals under their king, Genseric, approached Rome. Once more, the pope went out to meet the invader. This time he could not prevent the city from being plundered, but he persuaded Genseric to spare the lives of the inhabitants and refrain from burning the city and its principal churches.

Pope Leo died on November 10, 461, after twenty-one years of extraordinary service to the Church. He was later declared a Doctor of the Church in recognition of the lasting importance of his theological writings. His life reminds us that the strength of the Church does not depend upon armies, political influence, or earthly power, but upon fidelity to Christ and confidence in His promises.

St. Leo the Great stands as a magnificent example of courageous leadership, unwavering orthodoxy, and pastoral charity. His encounter with Attila remains a vivid reminder that even in the darkest moments of history, the Church must never be afraid to stand firmly for the truth.

O Lord Jesu Christ, who didst strengthen thy holy Bishop and Doctor, Pope Leo, to maintain both by word and deed the verity of thy sacred Humanity: grant, we beseech thee; that guided by the light of his doctrine, we may earnestly defend the faith of thy holy Incarnation; who livest and reignest with the Father, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, ever one God, world without end. Amen.

Dedication of St. John Lateran

On November 9th, the Catholic Church throughout the world celebrates the anniversary of the consecration of the Archbasilica of the Most Holy Saviour in the city of Rome, which took place in the year 324 A.D. This feast commemorates not simply an historic building, but the spiritual significance of every church dedicated to the worship of Almighty God.

Known also as St. John Lateran, its full title is "The Archbasilica of the Most Holy Saviour and Saints John the Baptist and the Evangelist in the Lateran." Across its façade is carved the proud title "Omnium Urbis et Orbis Ecclesiarum Mater et Caput" – "The Mother and Head of all Churches of the City and of the World." It is the cathedral of Rome, the Pope's own cathedral, and therefore holds a unique place in the life of the universal Church. It is senior in dignity even to St. Peter's Basilica.

One of the reasons we celebrate this feast is because the Church wants us to remember the importance of consecrated places in which the worship of God takes place. A church is not simply a building where people gather for prayer. Through its consecration, it is set apart for the sacred purpose of offering worship to God, particularly in celebrating the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, and administering the sacraments. 

This feast also reminds us of the incarnational principle upon which our faith is based, that God extends His spiritual blessings to us through the use of physical things. He took human flesh upon Himself. He instituted seven sacraments which use outward signs to communicate inward grace. He established a hierarchical Church, with a visible and physical presence in the world, to be a sign of His own presence among us.

There is also a reminder here of our own vocation. Just as a church building is consecrated and set apart for God's service, so each of us, through Baptism, has been consecrated to belong to Christ. We are called to become living temples of the Holy Spirit, offering our lives as a continual sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving.

O Most blessed Saviour, who didst vouchsafe thy gracious presence at the Feast of Dedication: be present with us at this time by thy Holy Spirit, and so possess our souls by thy grace; that we may be living temples, holy and acceptable unto thee; who livest and reignest with the Father, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, ever one God, world without end. Amen.

Be Watchful

 

“Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour.”

- St. Matthew 25:13

As we come closer to the beginning of Advent we hear our Lord’s parable about the coming of a bridegroom, and the importance of being ready to greet him on his arrival. As is the case with all of Christ’s parables, His meaning is deeper and more consequential than the simple telling of a story. We know this bridegroom is Christ Himself, and His arrival marks the end times and the final establishment of God’s Kingdom.

The parable advises us to have oil for our lamps; namely, to be always ready for the coming of the Lord – and not just on the Last Day, but always, in ways we do not expect and at various times throughout our lives. The foolish virgins failed to anticipate when and how the Bridegroom would come, and so they were unprepared and were left behind.

Too often our attention is captivated by all kinds of concerns and worries, causing us to miss what is truly important. We overlook the presence of Christ in our daily lives, in the people around us, and in our ordinary activities. How often we might be face to face with Christ through some circumstance, but we fail to recognize Him, and so miss the opportunity to love and serve Him.

It was Saint Augustine who said, “Beware of the grace of God that passes and does not return.” We need to pray for the gift of discernment, so that we might perceive God’s presence in the ordinary things of each day. Our faith must help us to be ready and always watching for Christ, who comes to us daily and who prepares us for the eternal wedding feast which is His heavenly Kingdom.

Making a Good Investment

Jesus said to his disciples, “There was a rich man who had a steward, and charges were brought to him that this man was wasting his goods. And he called him and said to him, ‘What is this that I hear about you? Turn in the account of your stewardship, for you can no longer be steward.’”

- St. Luke 16:1,2

Our Lord tells the story of a steward who, having wasted his employer’s resources, is dismissed. Facing an uncertain future, the steward acts boldly and reduces the debts owed to his master, hoping to secure the goodwill of those who might help him later.

Surprisingly, Jesus praises the steward. His praise wasn’t for his dishonesty; rather, it was for his resourcefulness and foresight. He observes that the children of this world are often more shrewd in pursuing their interests than the children of light. Our Lord wants us to draw on that same determination and wisdom in serving God, using the things of this world to prepare for eternity.

Money and possessions are necessary, but they must never become our masters. We cannot take them with us when we die; what matters is how we have used them. Our possessions, influence, and abilities should be employed in fulfilling our responsibilities, helping those in need, supporting the Church, and spreading the Gospel.

Jesus reminds us that faithfulness in little things prepares us for greater responsibilities. We must therefore examine what truly governs our lives. We cannot serve both God and mammon, for the respective demands are incompatible.

The lesson is simple: we must master our possessions rather than allow them to master us. By using God's gifts generously and wisely, we invest not merely in our earthly future, but in the eternal kingdom of God.

Lost and Found

Immediately after telling two parables – one recounting the finding of a lost sheep, and another about finding a lost coin – the Lord Jesus says this: “There will be rejoicing among the angels of God over one sinner who repents.”

This tells us something important and beautiful about the mercy of God and the value of every human soul. When a sinner turns away from sin and returns to God, it isn’t just a private matter between that person and the Lord, but it actually causes joy which rings throughout heaven!

Sometimes we forget how much God desires our salvation. He won’t force us to stay close to Him, but He always stays close to us. He takes no delight in our failures, but He’s always there to pick us up when we fall. He doesn’t abandon us when we wander from the path of righteousness, but He’s like the shepherd who searches for the lost sheep.

God seeks us with patience and love, always longing to bring us home. And when we repent and confess our sins and turn again toward Him, heaven rejoices.

The way God looks out for us teaches us a great deal about how we should look out for others. No one is beyond the reach of God's mercy. No matter how far someone may have strayed, the grace of God can always awaken a contrite heart and lead that soul back to Him.

Is there anyone you know who has wandered away from God? Offer a prayer for them now, and if there is anything you can say or do that might help them to look to God, today is the day to do it. And never stop hoping for their return, because every soul brought back to God is a cause for joy amongst the very angels of heaven.

A Hymn to the Triune God

To thee, O gracious Father,

we lift our loving hearts;

to us the Bread of Heaven

eternal life imparts.

We thank thee for thy favour

that marks us as thine own;

Lord, keep us ever faithful,

who come before thy throne.

What love thou hast bestowed on us,

a love which makes us free!

It cleanses us from ev'ry sin,

and keeps us close to thee.

To thee, O Christ our Saviour,

we come for saving grace;

we see how tender love is,

by looking on thy face.

Keep us from all things hurtful

by the power of thy Cross;

and help us to remember

our gain comes from thy loss.

What heav'nly Food is ours, Lord,

this Food which makes us free!

It fills our hearts and makes us whole,

and keeps us close to thee.

To thee, O Holy Spirit,

we whisper our desire;

our lives are empty vessels:

Lord, fill them with thy fire.

Make us thy faithful people

who seek to do thy will;

give us thy gifts of power,

our empty hearts to fill.

What peace that passes ev'ry thought,

that peace which makes us free!

It banishes each doubt and fear,

and keeps us close to thee.

From thee, O Triune Godhead,

salvation is come down;

Atonement now is given,

mankind receives his crown.

In Sacrament tremendous

we touch eternity;

we love thee, God our Saviour:

thou art our destiny.

O Father, Son, and Holy Ghost,

our faith shall never cease!

In thee we have eternal life,

and never-ending peace.

Text: Fr. Christopher G. Phillips, 1990

Music: “Thaxted” by Gustav Holst, 1874-1934

St. Charles Borromeo, Bishop

Charles Borromeo was born into an aristocratic and immensely wealthy Italian family. The Borromeos lived in a magnificent castle and enjoyed all the privileges and comforts that accompanied their noble position. Charles was an accomplished young man who excelled in athletics, music, and the arts, and he was accustomed to a life of elegance, fine entertainments, and considerable luxury. His mother belonged to the illustrious Medici family, and one of his uncles was Pope Pius IV. Through his family connections, Charles was destined for a prominent position in the Church. 

At just twenty-three years of age, his uncle appointed him a cardinal and entrusted him with numerous important ecclesiastical responsibilities. He was also appointed papal legate to Bologna, the Low Countries, and the Swiss cantons, as well as to several religious orders.

When Charles' father died, many expected him to abandon his ecclesiastical responsibilities, marry a young noblewoman, and assume leadership of the Borromeo family. Instead, Charles made a very different decision. He recognized that God was calling him to a life of priestly service. He devoted himself more seriously to prayer, study, and the spiritual life, and eventually received ordination to the priesthood. Not long afterward, he was appointed Archbishop of Milan, a great city whose people had been without the regular presence of a bishop for more than eighty years.

Charles took his responsibilities as a bishop with extraordinary seriousness. He understood that his office was not a privilege to be enjoyed but a sacred duty to be fulfilled. He worked tirelessly to reform the clergy, improve religious education, establish seminaries for the proper formation of priests, and restore discipline and reverence throughout his diocese. He was particularly concerned that priests should live holy lives and faithfully instruct the people entrusted to their care. His work was an important contribution to the Catholic renewal following the Council of Trent.

Although Charles had once enjoyed the luxuries of aristocratic life, he now embraced a life of personal austerity and extraordinary charity. When a terrible famine struck in 1570, he organized relief efforts and provided food for approximately 3,000 people every day for three months. Six years later, a devastating plague swept through Milan and the surrounding region. Charles organized his priests, religious communities, and lay volunteers to care for the sick and dying. He personally visited those afflicted, arranged for food and medical assistance, and provided shelter for thousands who had been abandoned or left without the necessities of life. He spent his personal fortune in these efforts and even incurred enormous debts rather than allow the suffering people of his diocese to go without help.

Charles was also a man of profound penitence and prayer. On one occasion, he ordered a public procession of atonement and led it himself, wearing sackcloth, with a rope around his neck, his feet bare and bleeding, and a cross upon his shoulder. He wished to call his people to repentance and to offer himself in prayer and sacrifice for their spiritual welfare.

After years of exhausting pastoral labour, penance, and self-sacrifice, Charles Borromeo died in 1584 at the age of forty-six. At the time of his death, he was dressed in sackcloth and ashes and held a picture of Jesus Crucified in his hands. His final words were, "See, Lord, I am coming, I am coming soon."

St. Charles Borromeo reminds us that holiness is not measured by wealth, position, or worldly honours, but by fidelity to Christ and loving service to others. His life challenges us to use whatever gifts and resources God has entrusted to us for the good of our neighbour and the glory of God.

Keep, O Lord, thy Church by the continual protection of Saint Charles Borromeo: that as his zeal for thy flock did render him glorious; so his intercession may ever make us fervent in thy love; through Jesus Christ thy Son our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with thee, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, ever one God, world without end. Amen.

St. Martin de Porres, Religious and Confessor

St. Martin de Porres was born into difficult circumstances in Lima, Peru, in 1579. His mother, Ana Velázquez, was a formerly enslaved woman of African descent, while his father, Juan de Porres, was a Spanish nobleman. His parents were not married, and Martin and his younger sister were raised primarily by their mother after their father abandoned the family. 

Because of their mixed ancestry, the children experienced the prejudice and discrimination that were deeply ingrained in colonial society. They were regarded as belonging to one of the lowest social classes, and their family lived in considerable poverty. Yet the circumstances of his birth would become part of the remarkable witness of a man whose life demonstrated that true greatness is found not in social standing, but in holiness.

At the age of twelve, Martin was apprenticed to a barber-surgeon, a profession that combined the cutting of hair with the treatment of wounds and the administration of basic medical care. He learned these skills well, and they would provide him with the means to serve others throughout his life. His work brought him into contact with the sick and suffering, and he developed a profound compassion for those who were poor, neglected, or unable to obtain medical assistance.

As a young man, Martin sought admission to the Dominican Order in Lima. Conscious of the prejudice associated with his racial background and considering himself unworthy of religious life, he entered initially as a donado, or lay helper, performing menial duties in the monastery. He worked in the kitchen, laundry, and infirmary, accepting every task with humility and without complaint. After nine years, however, his extraordinary holiness, charity, and spirit of prayer moved the community to invite him to make full religious profession as a Dominican lay brother.

Martin's life was characterized by intense prayer and penance, but his spirituality was never separated from practical charity. He spent long hours caring for the sick, nursing the dying, feeding the hungry, and assisting those who came to the monastery seeking help. He treated everyone with the same tenderness and respect, regardless of race, social position, or personal circumstances. He was instrumental in establishing an orphanage and devoted himself to the care of enslaved Africans who had been brought to Peru. He also managed the distribution of the monastery's alms, displaying remarkable practical ability and generosity.

His responsibilities eventually extended to serving as procurator for the priory and the city, where he was entrusted with the purchase and distribution of necessities. His work encompassed everything from blankets, clothing, and candles to food and medicine. Yet he never regarded any task as beneath him. When the monastery fell into financial difficulty, Martin offered himself to be sold into slavery, saying, "I am only a poor mulatto. Sell me. I am the property of the order. Sell me." His words revealed the extraordinary humility and self-forgetfulness that characterized his life.

Alongside his ordinary duties, God gave Martin remarkable mystical gifts. Accounts of his life describe ecstasies in which he was lifted from the ground, miraculous cures, bilocation, and an extraordinary knowledge of things beyond his natural understanding. His love extended even to animals. He cared for stray cats and dogs and showed unusual kindness toward the mice and rats that troubled the monastery kitchen, insisting that they too deserved consideration.

Many of his fellow religious sought his spiritual counsel, recognizing in him a wisdom that came from profound union with God. Yet Martin continued to think of himself as a poor and unworthy servant. He was also a close friend of St. Rose of Lima, another Dominican tertiary renowned for her holiness.

St. Martin de Porres died on November 3, 1639. His life remains a powerful testimony to the transforming grace of God. In a society divided by race and social standing, he demonstrated that every human person possesses dignity and deserves compassion. His holiness reminds us that the way to heaven is found through humility, prayer, and loving service to others. He was canonized by Pope St. John XXIII in 1962 and is honoured as the patron saint of social justice, racial harmony, and those who work for the poor and sick.

O God, who didst lead Saint Martin de Porres by the way of humility to heavenly glory: grant that we may so follow the example of his holiness; that we may be worthy to be exalted with him to heaven; through Jesus Christ thy Son our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with thee, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, ever one God, world without end. Amen.

Praying for the Departed

One of the most beautiful practices of our Catholic faith is that of having Holy Mass offered for the repose of the souls of our departed loved ones. It's a practice rooted in the earliest centuries of Christianity, when the faithful remembered the dead in their prayers and gathered to offer the Holy Sacrifice on their behalf.

The Church teaches that those who die in God's grace and friendship, but are not yet completely purified, undergo purification before entering the fullness of God's presence. This purification is called Purgatory. Because the souls undergoing this purification can no longer gain merit for themselves, our prayers and the spiritual benefits of the Mass are of particular importance to them.

The Catechism of the Catholic Church reminds us that from the beginning Christians have honoured the memory of the dead and offered prayers for them, above all the Eucharistic Sacrifice, so that they may be purified and attain the beatific vision of God (CCC 1032).

There is no greater prayer we can offer for someone who has died than the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. In the Mass, the one perfect sacrifice of Jesus Christ on Calvary is made present. Through this sacrifice, we commend the departed to the infinite mercy of God, asking that the merits of Christ's Passion be applied to their souls and that they may be brought more quickly into the joy of heaven.

Having Masses offered for our departed loved ones is much more than an act of remembrance. It is an act of faith, charity, and continuing love. Although death separates us physically, we remain united in the Communion of Saints. Our love for those who have died finds one of its greatest expressions in prayer for their souls.

So we should always remember our departed parents, spouses, children, relatives, and friends, requesting Masses for them, not merely on the anniversary of their deaths, but throughout the year. It's a precious spiritual gift, and perhaps the greatest act of charity we can offer to those who have gone before us.

All Souls Day

There are people whose absence we feel deeply - members of our families, dear friends, and those who have touched our lives in ways we will never forget. We remember their faces, their voices, the kindnesses they showed us, and the love we shared with them.

On All Souls Day, the Church gives us a special time to remember these beloved departed, not simply with affection and longing, but with the assurance of Christian hope. We commend them to God's mercy and pray that they may enjoy the fullness of eternal life in His presence.

The Church teaches that death does not end our relationship with those who have gone before us. Through Christ, we remain united with them in the Communion of Saints. The Church consists of the faithful on earth, the souls being purified in Purgatory, and the saints who already rejoice in Heaven. These are the Church Militant, the Church Expectant, and the Church Triumphant, united in one Body of Christ.

On All Souls Day, we particularly remember the Church Expectant. These are the souls who have died in God's friendship but still need to be purified of the effects of sin. This purification, which we call Purgatory, is not a second chance at salvation, nor is it a place of condemnation. Rather, it is the final preparation of those who are assured of heaven but must first be made perfectly holy. Nothing imperfect can enter into the presence of God, and Purgatory is the merciful completion of that purification.

Our prayers for the departed are an important expression of Christian charity. The Church has always encouraged the faithful to pray for those who have died, offer the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass for their repose, and obtain indulgences for them. Even a simple prayer offered in their memory is an act of love. We entrust them to God's mercy, asking that they may enjoy the Beatific Vision and see Him face to face.

All Souls Day also reminds us of our own mortality. Our earthly life is temporary, and we should live each day with eternity in view. The time we have been given is an opportunity to grow in holiness, practice charity, seek forgiveness, and prepare ourselves for the day when we too will stand before God.

We remember the departed not only on November 2nd, but throughout the year. We pray for them, we have Masses offered for them, and we are assured that the bonds of love in Christ are stronger than death.

O God, the Creator and Redeemer of all them that believe: grant unto the souls of thy servants and handmaids the remission of all their sins; that as they have ever desired thy merciful pardon, so by the supplications of their brethren they may receive the same; through Jesus Christ thy Son our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with thee, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, ever one God, world without end. Amen.

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Indulgence for the Holy Souls in Purgatory

One of the spiritual works of mercy is to pray for the Faithful Departed, who can do no more for themselves. There are plenary indulgences assigned to this season, outlined in the Enchiridion, which you may obtain for the Holy Souls in Purgatory:

1. A plenary indulgence, applicable only to the souls in purgatory, may be obtained by those who, on All Souls Day, piously visit a church, public oratory, or for those entitled to use it, a semi-public oratory. It may be acquired either on the day designated as All Souls Day or, with the consent of the bishop, on the preceding or following Sunday or the feast of All Saints. On visiting the church or oratory it is required that one Our Father and the Creed be recited.

2. You may make a visit to a Cemetery or Columbarium. A plenary indulgence is applicable to the souls in Purgatory when one devoutly visits and prays for the departed. This work may be done each day between November 1 and November 8.

To obtain a Plenary Indulgence, one must fulfill the following requirements:

1. Make a Sacramental Confession,
2. Receive Holy Communion,
3. Offer prayer for the intention of the Holy Father.

All these are to be performed within days of each other, if not at the same time.

"Behold, a great multitude..."

St. John the Divine was nearly a hundred years old when he was exiled to the island of Patmos. It was there that he had his great vision: “I looked, and behold, a great multitude which no man could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and tongues, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands, and crying out with a loud voice, ‘Salvation belongs to our God who sits upon the throne, and to the Lamb!’”

This was his vision of all the saints, and they were standing there because of everything that has gone before. Their holiness is the fruit of all the events in Christ's life, from His Conception and Nativity, to the Resurrection and the Ascension and Pentecost – all those things happened to make saints.

Saints aren’t born; rather, they’re made. We are all born with the potential to become saints. The only difference between those who aren’t saints and those who are, is the difference between people who repent and confess after sinning, and those who refuse to repent and so purposely continue in their sin.

Because one of the purposes of the Church is to make saints, so the characteristics of the saints are the characteristics of the Church. In the Creed we confess that we believe “One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church.” These words which define the Church, also define the saints.

The saints are One because they are united with one another through their union with Christ. We call this the Communion of Saints. Although saints live in different centuries, come from different nations, and follow different paths in life, they belong to one family in Christ. Death doesn’t divide those who are united in Him.

The saints are Holy because they have allowed God's grace to transform their lives. The very word “saint,” from the Latin sanctus, means holy. Their holiness didn’t come from their own strength or perfection, but from Christ working within them. Through the sacraments, prayer, repentance, and daily faithfulness, they allowed God to make them more like His Son.

The saints are Catholic, meaning universal. Their holiness isn’t confined to one nation, culture, or period of history. We celebrate men and women, young and old, rich and poor, from every nation and every walk of life. Their circumstances are different, but their faith is one. Their lives remind us that the call to holiness belongs to everyone.

And the saints are Apostolic. They received the faith handed down from Christ through the Apostles, and they faithfully passed it on through their teaching, witness, and example. Their holiness was never merely a private achievement; it becomes a blessing to the whole Church and to the world.

So as we remember the saints, we shouldn’t regard them simply as remarkable people whose lives we admire from a distance. They are examples of what God's grace can accomplish in ordinary human lives. Their holiness is an invitation to us.

We ask their prayers and follow their example, so that we also might grow in holiness and take our place among that great company, united in Christ as His One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic people.

When We Forget Mercy...

One Sabbath when Jesus went to dine at the house of a ruler who belonged to the Pharisees, they were watching him. And behold, there was a man before him who had dropsy. And Jesus spoke to the lawyers and Pharisees, saying, "Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath, or not?" But they were silent. Then he took him and healed him, and let him go. And he said to them, "Which of you, having a son or an ox that has fallen into a well, will not immediately pull him out on a Sabbath day?" And they could not reply to this.

- St. Luke 14:1-6

The Pharisees, an important Jewish religious group during the time of Jesus, emphasized the strict observance of the Law of Moses, the traditions of the elders, ritual purity, and the importance of religious devotion in daily life. They believed in the resurrection of the dead, angels, and divine judgment. They were sincere in their devotion, but they were frequently criticized by Jesus for their hypocrisy and their tendency to emphasize outward religious observance over inward holiness and mercy.

Our Lord frequently had interaction with Pharisees, and in this Gospel account He had been invited by a man of some importance, and there were other Pharisees there.

Apparently this wasn’t simply a social gathering. When Jesus arrived, He was met with silence. It was obvious that they were there to watch Jesus. They had no desire to learn from Him, but rather, to find fault. That is evidenced by the scene itself: before them stood a suffering man, yet their concern was not for him. It was for the preservation of their interpretation of the Law – what could and could not be done on the Sabbath.

Our Lord met their silence with a simple question: “Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath, or not?” Their silence exposed just how hard their hearts were. They knew that compassion was good, but their understanding of religion had become so rigid that they could not acknowledge goodness or the need for mercy, even when it was right in front of them.

Jesus did not allow their silence to hinder His mercy. He healed the man and sent him on his way, and in doing that He revealed the true purpose of the Sabbath. It was never intended to be a burden, but a gift. It is a day set apart for God, whose very nature is love.

Here is a reminder for us all: it is possible to be faithful in religious observance, mindful in matters of doctrine, and obedient to the commandments, yet still fail to recognize Christ in those who suffer. True holiness never separates faithfulness to God from charity toward our neighbour.

The Sabbath belongs to the Lord, Who is mercy itself. If our worship doesn’t shape our hearts, making us more generous, more compassionate, and more ready to serve, then it can become (to use the words of St. Paul) “a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal."

It is possible to be so occupied with defending what defines holiness that we forget to practice the love which makes us holy.

Under His Wings: The Tender Mercy of Christ

At that very hour some Pharisees came, and said to him, "Get away from here, for Herod wants to kill you." And he said to them, "Go and tell that fox, `Behold, I cast out demons and perform cures today and tomorrow, and the third day I finish my course. Nevertheless I must go on my way today and tomorrow and the day following; for it cannot be that a prophet should perish away from Jerusalem.' O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, killing the prophets and stoning those who are sent to you! How often would I have gathered your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you would not! Behold, your house is forsaken. And I tell you, you will not see me until you say, `Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!'"

- St. Luke 13:31-35

It was inevitable that the road from Nazareth would find its way to Jerusalem. The announcement of the Incarnation was the beginning of the journey which would culminate in the Crucifixion and the Resurrection.

There is something deeply moving in the words of our Lord as He looks toward Jerusalem. “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, killing the prophets and stoning those who are sent to you…” The city that should have welcomed the prophets and received the Messiah has repeatedly resisted those whom God has sent to it. With this history of repeated rejection, Jesus speaks with sorrow and compassion. How much He wants to gather His people to Himself, even when they refuse His love!

When the Pharisees warn Jesus that Herod is looking to kill Him, our Lord answers without wavering. He will continue His work of healing, casting out demons, and proclaiming the Kingdom of God. Neither threats nor political power will turn Him aside from the mission entrusted to Him.

He knows that His journey leads toward Jerusalem and ultimately to the Cross. So He continues onward, obedient to the Father's will and determined to accomplish our salvation.

And so that tender lament: “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, killing the prophets and stoning those who are sent to you…” The repetition of the city's name reveals the anguish of a Heart filled with love. Jesus sees the sins of Jerusalem, but He also sees its desperate need for mercy.

His image of a hen gathering her brood beneath her wings is one of such simple tenderness. Beneath her wings, her vulnerable young find shelter and protection from danger, and so Christ desires to gather us into the safety of His presence, where we find forgiveness, grace, and peace.

But the Lord laments, “And ye would not,” revealing the solemn reality that we can resist the grace God offers us. He calls us through holy Scripture, through the unbroken teaching of His Church, and through the persistent voice of conscience, yet pride, distraction, and attachment to sin so easily prevent us from hearing His invitation.

How often do we repeat Jerusalem's mistake? We look for comfort and security in our own strength while neglecting the One who alone can give us eternal life. We hear His commandments but we hesitate to obey. We receive His mercy but then, too often, refuse to forgive others.

But Christ continues to call us. His desire for our salvation is constant, and His mercy is always greater than our sins. It’s up to us to abandon our pride, repent of our sins, and trust ourselves entirely to His loving care.

O Lord Jesus Christ, whose heart yearns for our salvation, grant that we may never resist Thy gracious call. Gather us beneath the wings of Thy mercy, defend us from sin, and lead us faithfully to everlasting life. Amen.

St. Simon and St. Jude, Apostles

Our Lord chose His apostles, twelve men with differing backgrounds and gifts. St. Simon and St. Jude are among those about whom the New Testament tells us comparatively little, yet their names have been honoured together for centuries. Their feast on October 28 recalls the courage of those who carried the Gospel beyond the familiar world of Galilee and Judea. The traditional images of these two apostles, bearing the instruments of their martyrdom, remind us that the faith proclaimed by them was sealed by their willingness to suffer and die for Christ.

St. Simon the Zealot is distinguished from Simon Peter by the title Zealot, which suggests his fervent devotion to the Jewish faith, although the precise meaning of the designation remains uncertain. After being called by Christ, Simon became one of the Twelve, witnessing our Lord’s ministry, passion, and resurrection. Ancient tradition associates him with missionary journeys in Egypt and Persia.

In religious art, St. Simon is usually shown holding a large saw. This is the traditional symbol of his martyrdom, indicating how he was put to death because of his refusal to abandon his faith in Christ. Although the New Testament does not record the circumstances of his death, the saw has become his distinctive attribute, reminding the faithful of his steadfastness even in the face of terrible suffering.

St. Jude, also called Thaddeus, must be distinguished from Judas Iscariot who betrayed our Lord. St. Jude is traditionally honoured as the patron saint of hopeless and desperate causes, and his intercession is sought by Christians enduring seemingly impossible difficulties.

He is frequently depicted holding a medallion bearing the face of Christ. This represents an ancient tradition concerning the Image of Edessa, according to which Jude carried an image of Our Lord to King Abgar, who sought healing. He may also be shown with a flame above his head, recalling the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the Apostles at Pentecost. He also carries a club or halberd, recalling the traditional account of his martyrdom.

According to ancient tradition, Simon and Jude preached together in Persia, where they confronted pagan worship and proclaimed Jesus Christ as Lord. Their preaching aroused opposition, and both Apostles suffered martyrdom. Tradition commonly holds that Simon was sawn in half, while Jude was killed with a club or halberd. The precise circumstances cannot be established with historical certainty, but their enduring veneration bears witness to the Church’s memory of their heroic faith.

Their feast calls us to imitate their apostolic courage. We may not be required to suffer martyrdom, but every Christian is called to bear witness to Christ through prayer, charity, fidelity, and holiness of life. St. Simon and St. Jude remind us that no labour undertaken for God is wasted, and that even in our darkest trials, Christian hope rests securely in the faithfulness of our Lord.

O ALMIGHTY God, who hast built thy Church upon the foundation of the Apostles and Prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the head corner-stone: Grant us so to be joined together in unity of spirit by their doctrine, that we may be made an holy temple acceptable unto thee; through the same Jesus Christ thy Son our Lord. Amen.

Simple Images, Profound Truth

Jesus said, "What is the kingdom of God like? And to what shall I compare it? It is like a grain of mustard seed which a man took and sowed in his garden; and it grew and became a tree, and the birds of the air made nests in its branches." And again he said, "To what shall I compare the kingdom of God? It is like leaven which a woman took and hid in three measures of flour, till it was all leavened."

- Luke 13:18-21

Our Lord Jesus Christ frequently used simple everyday images to teach profound truths.  He compares the Kingdom of God to a mustard seed. He pictures leaven hidden in a measure of flour. Both images show something small and seemingly insignificant that actually possesses the power to bring about remarkable change.

The mustard seed begins as the tiniest of seeds, yet grows into a great shrub where birds find shelter. So it is with the work of God in our lives. A small act of charity, a quiet prayer, a word of encouragement, or a simple sacrifice offered in love may appear unimportant at the time, yet God can use these things to accomplish far more than we imagine.

The image of leaven teaches us something equally important. Hidden within the flour, it works silently until the whole measure is transformed. God's grace often works in us in this way. We may not immediately perceive its effects, but through prayer, the sacraments, and faithful obedience, Christ gradually transforms our hearts.

Too often we're tempted to search for dramatic signs of spiritual progress, and yet God most often accomplishes His greatest work through ordinary acts of faithfulness.

We should never discount small beginnings. The Kingdom grows wherever Christ is welcomed and His grace is permitted to work. It's then that we become instruments of that grace, when we cooperate by allowing His love to transform us and eventually, through us, the world around us.