St. Paul Miki and Companions


St. Paul Miki and Companions

Feast date: Feb 06

On Feb. 6, the Catholic Church honors the 26 Martyrs of Nagasaki, a group of native Japanese Catholics and foreign missionaries who suffered death for their faith in the year 1597.

During the 16th century, the Catholic faith reached Japan by the efforts of the Jesuit missionary Saint Francis Xavier (1506-1552). Jesuit outreach to the Japanese continued after his death, and around 200,000 Japanese had entered the Church by 1587.

Religious tensions led to a period of persecution during that year, during which many churches were destroyed and missionaries forced to work in secret. But few episodes of martyrdom took place during this time, and within a decade 100,000 more Japanese became Catholic despite the restrictions.

During 1593, Franciscan missionaries came to Japan from the Philippines by order of Spain’s King Philip II. These new arrivals gave themselves zealously to the work of charity and evangelism, but their presence disturbed a delicate situation between the Church and Japanese authorities.

Suspicion against Catholic missionaries grew when a Spanish ship was seized off the Japanese coast and found to be carrying artillery. Toyotomi Hideyoshi, a powerful imperial minister, responded by sentencing 26 Catholics to death.

The group was comprised of three native Jesuits, six foreign Franciscans, and several lay Catholics including some children. Sentenced to die by crucifixion and lancing, they were first marched 600 miles to the city of Nagasaki.

During the journey they underwent public torture meant to terrorize other Japanese believers in Christ. But all of the 26 held out courageously, even singing the hymn of praise “Te Deum” when they arrived at the hill where they would be crucified.

Three of the best-known martyrs of Nagaki are Saints Paul Miki, John of Goto, and James Kisai. Though none were priests, all were associated with the Jesuits: Miki was training for the priesthood, while Kisai was a lay brother and John of Goto was a catechist preparing to enter the order.

Paul Miki offered an especially strong witness to his faith during the group’s month-long march to Nagasaki, as he joined one of the captive Franciscan priests in preaching to the crowds who came to mock the prisoners.

The son of a wealthy military leader, Miki was born in 1562 and entered the Church along with the rest of his family. He joined the Jesuits as a young man and helped many Buddhists to embrace Christianity. His last act of evangelism took place as he hung on his cross, preaching to the crowds.

“The only reason for my being killed is that I have taught the doctrine of Christ,” he announced. “I thank God it is for this reason that I die. I believe that I am telling the truth before I die.”

“After Christ’s example, I forgive my persecutors. I do not hate them. I ask God to have pity on all, and I hope my blood will fall on my fellow men as a fruitful rain.”

St. Paul Miki and his 25 companions were stabbed to death with lances on Feb. 5, 1597, at the site that became known as “Martyrs’ Hill.” Pope Pius IX canonized the Martyrs of Nagasaki in 1862.

Memorial of Saint Paul Miki and Companions, Martyrs

Reading 1 Hebrews 12:18-19, 21-24

Brothers and sisters:
You have not approached that which could be touched
and a blazing fire and gloomy darkness
and storm and a trumpet blast
and a voice speaking words such that those who heard
begged that no message be further addressed to them.
Indeed, so fearful was the spectacle that Moses said,
“I am terrified and trembling.”
No, you have approached Mount Zion
and the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem,
and countless angels in festal gathering,
and the assembly of the firstborn enrolled in heaven,
and God the judge of all,
and the spirits of the just made perfect,
and Jesus, the mediator of a new covenant,
and the sprinkled Blood that speaks more eloquently
than that of Abel.

Responsorial Psalm Psalm 48:2-3ab, 3cd-4, 9, 10-11

R.    (see 10)  O God, we ponder your mercy within your temple.
Great is the LORD and wholly to be praised
    in the city of our God.
His holy mountain, fairest of heights,
    is the joy of all the earth. 
R.    O God, we ponder your mercy within your temple.
Mount Zion, “the recesses of the North,”
    the city of the great King.
God is with her castles;
    renowned is he as a stronghold.
R.    O God, we ponder your mercy within your temple.
As we had heard, so have we seen
    in the city of the LORD of hosts,
In the city of our God;
    God makes it firm forever.
R.    O God, we ponder your mercy within your temple.
O God, we ponder your mercy
    within your temple.
As your name, O God, so also your praise
    reaches to the ends of the earth.
Of justice your right hand is full.
R.    O God, we ponder your mercy within your temple.

 

Alleluia Mark 1:15

R. Alleluia, alleluia.
The Kingdom of God is at hand;
repent and believe in the Gospel.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel Mark 6:7-13

Jesus summoned the Twelve and began to send them out two by two
and gave them authority over unclean spirits.
He instructed them to take nothing for the journey but a walking stick
–no food, no sack, no money in their belts.
They were, however, to wear sandals but not a second tunic.
He said to them,
“Wherever you enter a house, stay there until you leave from there.
Whatever place does not welcome you or listen to you,
leave there and shake the dust off your feet
in testimony against them.”
So they went off and preached repentance.
The Twelve drove out many demons,
and they anointed with oil many who were sick and cured them.

– – –

Lectionary for Mass for Use in the Dioceses of the United States, second typical edition, Copyright © 2001, 1998, 1997, 1986, 1970 Confraternity of Christian Doctrine; Psalm refrain © 1968, 1981, 1997, International Committee on English in the Liturgy, Inc. All rights reserved. Neither this work nor any part of it may be reproduced, distributed, performed or displayed in any medium, including electronic or digital, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

Who Are We Following? / ¿A quién seguimos?

We all come to relationships and circumstances with our own perspective, seeing things through our own eyes. Our perspective about people or situations affects what we think and how we feel about them and how we react to them. No one has the benefit of complete objectivity, or of seeing, thinking, and feeling something exactly as another does. In addition, one person may be experiencing something or struggling with something that another has no awareness of.

We can easily be in error in our judgment, and it is beneficial to come to someone with compassion and a desire to understand prior to making suggestions and certainly before condemning them.

The reverse is also true. Others cannot see or feel what I do. They don’t experience my life through my eyes. And when someone says something to me that comes from a place of misunderstanding, it can feel very hurtful and irritating.

This is what struck me about today’s Gospel account. The people of Nazareth thought they knew Jesus. “Is he not the carpenter, the son of Mary?” Did we not watch him as he grew? Did he not play with our children? Buy from us in the market? Build furniture for our homes? How is he speaking to us in this way, with such wisdom? No, it cannot be. He is only Jesus.

How this must have hurt Jesus who, as God, wanted to pour Himself out upon the people He knew and loved! He did not want to exclude anyone from His work of love and salvation, but they excluded themselves through their lack of faith and by rejecting who He really was.

Jesus is our example. In this situation, He remained calm and spoke the truth. He did what He could and moved on, undoubtedly still loving those very people and asking the Father that they would come to understand and believe. Perhaps He prayed for them as He later prayed for His executioners, “Father, forgive them, they know not what they do” (Luke 23:34).

Jesus also did not let their lack of understanding stop Him from doing what He knew the Father was asking of Him. He continued to preach, heal, and teach about the Father’s love, then to die for us.

That is good for us to remember as well. We are to discern with God what He would want us to do and then be faithful. It is far too easy to allow a desire to please people or a fear that others will think poorly of us to discourage or intimidate us. Others may misunderstand us. They may judge us. But our job is to follow God and do His will, to love Him and love others, despite what people may think of us.

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Todos abordamos las relaciones y las circunstancias con nuestra propia perspectiva, viendo las cosas a través de los propios ojos. Nuestra perspectiva sobre las personas o las situaciones afecta lo que pensamos y cómo nos sentimos respecto de ellas y cómo reaccionamos ante ellas. Nadie tiene el beneficio de una objetividad completa, ni de ver, pensar y sentir algo exactamente como otra persona. Además, una persona puede estar experimentando algo o batallando con algo y otros no están ni conscientes de ello.

Es fácil equivocarse en el juicio, y es beneficioso acercarse a alguien con compasión y con el deseo de comprender antes de hacer sugerencias y, por supuesto, antes de condenarlo.

Lo contrario también es cierto. Los demás no pueden ver ni sentir lo que yo hago. No experimentan mi vida a través de mis ojos. Y cuando alguien me dice algo que surge de un lugar de malentendido, puede resultar muy doloroso e irritante.

Esto es lo que me impactó del Evangelio de hoy. La gente de Nazaret creía conocer a Jesús. “¿Qué no es éste el carpintero, el hijo de María?” ¿No lo observamos mientras crecía? ¿No jugaba con nuestros hijos? ¿No compraba en el mismo mercado? ¿No construía muebles para nuestras casas? ¿Cómo nos está hablando de esta manera, con tanta sabiduría? No. No puede ser. Sólo es Jesús.

¡Cuánto le debe haber dolido a Jesús, que como era Dios quería derramarse sobre las personas que conocía y amaba! No quería excluir a nadie de su obra de amor y salvación, pero ellos se excluyeron a sí mismos por su falta de fe y por rechazar quién era.

Jesús es nuestro ejemplo. En esta situación, se quedó tranquilo y dijo la verdad. Hizo lo que pudo y siguió adelante, sin duda amando a esas mismas personas y pidiendo al Padre que llegaran a comprender y creer. Quizás oró por ellos como más tarde oró por sus ejecutores: “Padre, perdónalos, porque no saben lo que hacen” (Lucas 23,34).

Jesús tampoco permitió que su falta de comprensión le impidiera hacer lo que sabía que el Padre le estaba pidiendo. Siguió predicando, sanando y enseñando acerca del amor del Padre, y luego murió por nosotros.

También es bueno acordarnos de eso. Debemos discernir con Dios lo que Él quiere que hagamos y luego ser fieles. Es muy fácil permitir que el deseo de agradar a los demás o el temor de que los demás piensen mal de nosotros nos desanimen o nos intimiden. Los demás pueden malinterpretarnos, pueden juzgarnos, pero nos toca seguir a Dios y hacer Su voluntad, amarlo y amar a los demás, a pesar de lo que la gente pueda pensar de nosotros.

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Kimberly Andrich writes from the perspective of having a hidden, chronic illness and experiencing a deep, continuous conversion through being yoked to Jesus in the day-to-day trials and joys of life. She is a wife, mother of 5, and daughter of the King. Kimberly also writes for Catholicmom.com and on fallingonhisgrace.substack.com.

Feature Image Credit: James Tissot, art.diocesan.com/stock-photo/jesus-unrolls-the-book-in-the-synagogue-jesus-dans-la-synagogue-deroule-le-livre-5675/

The views and opinions expressed in the Inspiration Daily blog are solely those of the original authors and contributors. These views and opinions do not necessarily represent those of Diocesan, the Diocesan staff, or other contributors to this blog.

The post Who Are We Following? / ¿A quién seguimos? appeared first on Diocesan.

St. Agatha


St. Agatha

Feast date: Feb 05

Although we have evidece that Agatha was venerated at least as far back as the sixth century, the only facts we have about her are that she was born in Sicily and died there a martyr.

In the legend of her life, we are told that she belonged to a rich, important family. When she was young, she dedicated her life to God and resisted any men who wanted to marry her. One of these men, Quintian, was of a high enough rank that he felt he could force her to acquiesce. Knowing she was a Christian in a time of persecution, he had  her arrested and brought before the judge – – himself. He expected her to give in to when faced with torture and possible death, but she simply affirmed her belief in God by praying: “Jesus Christ, Lord of all, you see  my heart, you know my desires. Possess all that I am. I am your sheep: make me worthy to overcome the devil.”

When she continued to profess her faith in Jesus, Quintian had her tortured. He refused her any medical care but God gave her all the care she needed in the form of a vision of St. Peter. When she was tortured again, she died after saying a final prayer: “Lord, my Creator, you have always protected me from the cradle; you have taken me from the love of the world and given me patience to suffer. Receive my soul.”

Because she was asked for help during the eruption of Mount Etna she is considered a protector against the outbreak of fire. She is also considered the patroness of bellmakers for an unknown reason — though some speculate it may have something to do with the fact that bells were used as fire alarms.

Memorial of Saint Agatha, Virgin and Martyr

Reading 1 Hebrews 12:4-7, 11-15

Brothers and sisters:
In your struggle against sin
you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding blood.
You have also forgotten the exhortation addressed to you as children:

    My son, do not disdain the discipline of the Lord
        or lose heart when reproved by him;
    for whom the Lord loves, he disciplines;
        he scourges every son he acknowledges.

Endure your trials as “discipline”;
God treats you as his sons.
For what “son” is there whom his father does not discipline?
At the time, all discipline seems a cause not for joy but for pain,
yet later it brings the peaceful fruit of righteousness
to those who are trained by it.

So strengthen your drooping hands and your weak knees.
Make straight paths for your feet,
that what is lame may not be dislocated but healed.

Strive for peace with everyone,
and for that holiness without which no one will see the Lord.
See to it that no one be deprived of the grace of God,
that no bitter root spring up and cause trouble,
through which many may become defiled.

Responsorial Psalm Psalm 103:1-2, 13-14, 17-18a

R.    (see 17)  The Lord’s kindness is everlasting to those who fear him.
Bless the LORD, O my soul;
    and all my being, bless his holy name.
Bless the LORD, O my soul,
    and forget not all his benefits.
R.    The Lord’s kindness is everlasting to those who fear him.
As a father has compassion on his children,
    so the LORD has compassion on those who fear him,
For he knows how we are formed;
    he remembers that we are dust.
R.    The Lord’s kindness is everlasting to those who fear him.
But the kindness of the LORD is from eternity
    to eternity toward those who fear him,
And his justice toward children’s children
    among those who keep his covenant.
R.    The Lord’s kindness is everlasting to those who fear him.

 

 

 

Alleluia John 10:27

R. Alleluia, alleluia.
My sheep hear my voice, says the Lord;
I know them, and they follow me.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel Mark 6:1-6

Jesus departed from there and came to his native place,
accompanied by his disciples.
When the sabbath came he began to teach in the synagogue,
and many who heard him were astonished.
They said, “Where did this man get all this?
What kind of wisdom has been given him?
What mighty deeds are wrought by his hands!
Is he not the carpenter, the son of Mary,
and the brother of James and Joseph and Judas and Simon?
And are not his sisters here with us?”
And they took offense at him.
Jesus said to them,
“A prophet is not without honor except in his native place
and among his own kin and in his own house.”
So he was not able to perform any mighty deed there,
apart from curing a few sick people by laying his hands on them.
He was amazed at their lack of faith.

 

– – –

Lectionary for Mass for Use in the Dioceses of the United States, second typical edition, Copyright © 2001, 1998, 1997, 1986, 1970 Confraternity of Christian Doctrine; Psalm refrain © 1968, 1981, 1997, International Committee on English in the Liturgy, Inc. All rights reserved. Neither this work nor any part of it may be reproduced, distributed, performed or displayed in any medium, including electronic or digital, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

Familiarity Breeds Complacency / La familiaridad genera la complacencia

Jesus’ ministry is beginning to grow. He is gathering followers from all over. In the midst of this, he returns to his hometown. Perhaps they were excited to see their home grown hero, this child they had watched grow up. It is a small town and if you have ever lived in one, you know the reputation of small towns is well earned. We all know a little too much of each other’s business. We know the good, the bad, and the ugly about our neighbors. 

In Mark’s account, we don’t know exactly what Jesus preached upon in the Temple. We only know the reaction of His family and friends. Luke’s account includes Jesus reading from Isaiah 61:1-2, a reading with strong messianic implications. How can this be? Their familiarity with Jesus breeds complacency. Unable to see past what they already know, they push Him out. As much as He longs to heal and give grace, He is unable to do much, because, just who does He think He is? The people of Nazareth are so content in their knowledge of Jesus, they fail to enter into a relationship with Him. 

How often is this true for us? How often do we fall into the routine of our faith life – we recite our prayers, we attend Mass on schedule, we check all the boxes in our knowledge of our faith – but we don’t stop long enough to enter into a relationship with Jesus. Relationships are not the result of checklists or scheduled to-do’s. Relationships are the result of time, of give and take. Relationships require an invitation from the heart and space to grow. 

Today’s Gospel is a call to examine our own conscience regarding our relationship with Jesus. Have we grown complacent? Do we attend every Mass with awe at the miracle which happens before us? Do we recall how the Creator of the universe humbles himself to be present in bread and wine in order to be intimately acquainted with us? Are our prayers recited out of a sense of duty or are they an invitation for Jesus to dwell within us? With each Hail Mary, do we truly desire that Jesus change us from the inside out, to form our hearts to be like his? To recreate us in the mold of His mother? 

Today’s Gospel challenges us to choose between “Where did this man get all this?” and Mary’s “Let it be done unto me according to your word.” Afterall, His words are the words of everlasting life. They give meaning not only to our forever, but to our today, to this moment, in this time, and that should be enough to keep us from getting complacent. 

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El ministerio de Jesús está comenzando a crecer. Está reuniendo seguidores de todas partes. En medio de esto, regresa a su ciudad natal. Tal vez estaban emocionados de ver a su héroe local, este niño que habían visto crecer. Es un pueblo pequeño y si alguna vez has vivido en un pueblo pequeño, sabes que su reputación es bien merecida. Todos sabemos demasiado de los asuntos de los demás. Conocemos lo bueno, lo malo y lo feo de los vecinos.

En el relato de Marcos, no sabemos exactamente sobre qué predicó Jesús en el Templo. Solo sabemos la reacción de su familia y sus amigos. El relato de Lucas incluye a Jesús leyendo Isaías 61:1-2, una lectura con fuertes implicaciones mesiánicas. ¿Cómo puede ser esto? Su familiaridad con Jesús genera la complacencia. Incapaces de ver más allá de lo que ya saben, lo expulsan. Por mucho que Él anhele sanar y dar gracia, no puede hacer mucho, porque, ¿quién se cree? La gente de Nazaret está tan contenta con su conocimiento de Jesús, que no logra entrar en una relación con Él.

¿Con qué frecuencia esto es cierto para nosotros también? ¿Con qué frecuencia caemos en la rutina de la vida de fe? Recitamos oraciones, asistimos a Misa cada semana, marcamos todas las casillas en nuestro conocimiento de nuestra fe, pero no nos detenemos lo suficiente para entrar en una relación con Jesús. Las relaciones no son el resultado de listas de verificación o tareas programadas. Las relaciones son el resultado del tiempo, del dar y recibir. Las relaciones requieren una invitación del corazón y espacio para crecer.

El Evangelio de hoy es un llamado a examinar la propia conciencia con respecto a nuestra relación con Jesús. ¿Nos hemos vuelto complacientes? ¿Asistimos a cada Misa con asombro ante el milagro que sucede en frente nuestro? ¿Nos acordamos cómo el Creador del universo se humilla para estar presente en el pan y el vino para conocernos íntimamente? ¿Recitamos las oraciones por un sentido del deber o son una invitación a que Jesús habite en nosotros? Con cada Ave María, ¿deseamos verdaderamente que Jesús nos cambie de adentro hacia afuera, que forme nuestro corazón para que sea como el suyo? ¿Que nos recree a imagen de su madre?

El Evangelio de hoy nos desafía a elegir entre “¿De dónde ha sacado este hombre todo esto?” y el “hágase en mí según tu palabra” de María. Después de todo, sus palabras son palabras de vida eterna. Dan sentido no sólo a nuestro para siempre, sino a nuestro hoy, a este momento, en este tiempo, y eso debería ser suficiente para evitar que nos volvamos complacientes.

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Sheryl’s first calling is to be wife and partner to Tom, who is a Permanent Diaconate in the Diocese of Kalamazoo. She also gets to live out her passion for teaching and learning by serving as a teaching principal at St. Therese Catholic School in Wayland, Michigan. Home is full with Carlyn, our goofy golden retriever, Lucy, our terrier mix wild child, and Mila, our rescue Bernese Mountain dog whose happy bouncing and wagging tail reminds us to find joy in every moment of every day.

Feature Image Credit: Malcolm Lightbody, https://unsplash.com/photos/boy-holding-lighted-candle-700X6tmkD5k

The views and opinions expressed in the Inspiration Daily blog are solely those of the original authors and contributors. These views and opinions do not necessarily represent those of Diocesan, the Diocesan staff, or other contributors to this blog.

The post Familiarity Breeds Complacency / La familiaridad genera la complacencia appeared first on Diocesan.

Tuesday of the Fourth Week in Ordinary Time

Reading 1 Hebrews 12:1-4

Brothers and sisters:
Since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses,
let us rid ourselves of every burden and sin that clings to us
and persevere in running the race that lies before us
while keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus,
the leader and perfecter of faith.
For the sake of the joy that lay before him
Jesus endured the cross, despising its shame,
and has taken his seat at the right of the throne of God.
Consider how he endured such opposition from sinners,
in order that you may not grow weary and lose heart.
In your struggle against sin
you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding blood.

Responsorial Psalm Psalm 22:26b-27, 28 and 30, 31-32

R. (see 27b) They will praise you, Lord, who long for you.
I will fulfill my vows before those who fear him.
The lowly shall eat their fill;
they who seek the LORD shall praise him:
“May your hearts be ever merry!”
R. They will praise you, Lord, who long for you.
All the ends of the earth
shall remember and turn to the LORD;
All the families of the nations
shall bow down before him.
To him alone shall bow down
all who sleep in the earth;
Before him shall bend
all who go down into the dust.
R. They will praise you, Lord, who long for you.
And to him my soul shall live;
my descendants shall serve him.
Let the coming generation be told of the LORD
that they may proclaim to a people yet to be born
the justice he has shown.
R. They will praise you, Lord, who long for you.

Alleluia Matthew 8:17

R. Alleluia, alleluia.
Christ took away our infirmities
and bore our diseases.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel Mark 5:21-43

When Jesus had crossed again in the boat to the other side,
a large crowd gathered around him, and he stayed close to the sea.
One of the synagogue officials, named Jairus, came forward.
Seeing him he fell at his feet and pleaded earnestly with him, saying,
“My daughter is at the point of death.
Please, come lay your hands on her
that she may get well and live.”
He went off with him
and a large crowd followed him.

There was a woman afflicted with hemorrhages for twelve years.
She had suffered greatly at the hands of many doctors
and had spent all that she had.
Yet she was not helped but only grew worse.
She had heard about Jesus and came up behind him in the crowd
and touched his cloak.
She said, “If I but touch his clothes, I shall be cured.”
Immediately her flow of blood dried up.
She felt in her body that she was healed of her affliction.
Jesus, aware at once that power had gone out from him,
turned around in the crowd and asked, “Who has touched my clothes?”
But his disciples said to him,
“You see how the crowd is pressing upon you,
and yet you ask, Who touched me?”
And he looked around to see who had done it.
The woman, realizing what had happened to her,
approached in fear and trembling.
She fell down before Jesus and told him the whole truth.
He said to her, “Daughter, your faith has saved you.
Go in peace and be cured of your affliction.”

While he was still speaking,
people from the synagogue official’s house arrived and said,
“Your daughter has died; why trouble the teacher any longer?”
Disregarding the message that was reported,
Jesus said to the synagogue official,
“Do not be afraid; just have faith.”
He did not allow anyone to accompany him inside
except Peter, James, and John, the brother of James.
When they arrived at the house of the synagogue official,
he caught sight of a commotion,
people weeping and wailing loudly.
So he went in and said to them,
“Why this commotion and weeping?
The child is not dead but asleep.”
And they ridiculed him.
Then he put them all out.
He took along the child’s father and mother
and those who were with him
and entered the room where the child was.
He took the child by the hand and said to her, “Talitha koum,”
which means, “Little girl, I say to you, arise!”
The girl, a child of twelve, arose immediately and walked around.
At that they were utterly astounded.
He gave strict orders that no one should know this
and said that she should be given something to eat.

– – –

Lectionary for Mass for Use in the Dioceses of the United States, second typical edition, Copyright © 2001, 1998, 1997, 1986, 1970 Confraternity of Christian Doctrine; Psalm refrain © 1968, 1981, 1997, International Committee on English in the Liturgy, Inc. All rights reserved. Neither this work nor any part of it may be reproduced, distributed, performed or displayed in any medium, including electronic or digital, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

St. Joseph of Leonissa


St. Joseph of Leonissa

Feast date: Feb 04

Joseph of Leonissa, OFM Cap.;  was the third of eight children born at Leonessa (Italy) on January 8, 1556.

At baptism he was given the name Eufranio.

Impressed by the example of Matthew Silvestri, who had left the medical profession to embrace the Capuchin life and whose holiness was evident, Eufranio was inspired to become a Capuchin.  After overcoming family opposition, he was admitted to the novitiate and received the habit and the name Joseph and made profession on January 8, 1573.

On May 21, 1581, the Capuchin general vicar issued patents for preaching, the ministry in which Joseph would be engaged for the remainder of his life.

Relying solely on grace and with a mission crucifix always tucked in his cincture, Joseph negotiated the most obscure, mountainous regions of Umbria, Lazio and the Abruzzi in an intense and extensive mission of evangelization among those who were poor.

Joseph enjoyed such great success in preaching because of his intimate union with God which was cultivated by incessant prayer. He would pray and meditate on the road, while holding his crucifix. Assigned to Constantinople he was appointed as chaplain to some 4,000 Christian slaves who worked in the penal colony of Qaasim-pacha. He immediately went to work bringing the gospel and charitable relief to those who were languishing in inhumane conditions. Many times he offered himself as a substitute in order to obtain the release of a slave who was near death. His offer was never accepted.

When the plague broke out in the penal colonies, the Capuchins immediately took up the ministry of assisting those who were sick and dying. Two Capuchins, Peter and Dennis, died doing so. Although Joseph became ill, he and Brother Gregory alone survived to remain at the mission. After converting a Greek bishop who had renounced the faith, Joseph devised a plan which entailed approaching the sultan, Murad 111, to seek the recognition of the right of freedom of conscience for anyone who was converted or returned to the Christian faith.

When Joseph attempted to enter the sultan’s chambers, he was arrested and bound in chains. He was condemned to an immediate death by being hung on hooks. He was hung from the gallows with one hook through the tendons of his right hand and another through his right foot.  Near death, on the evening of the third day, the guards cut him down.

Joseph quickly left Turkey and arrived at Rome where he and the converted Greek bishop presented themselves to Pope Sixtus V. Following Joseph’s return to Italy, in the autumn of 1589, he took up residence at the Carcerelle in Assisi.

In the aftermath of the Council of Trent, Joseph spent much time and energy catechizing. He began a ministry of evangelization among shepherds who lacked even rudimentary knowledge of the faith, prayer and the commandments. He would walk through the streets ringing a bell, reminding parents to send their children to catechism class.

When he became deathly ill, Joseph asked to be taken to Leonessa in order to pay his last respects to his relatives and friends. On Saturday evening, February 4, 1612, after beginning the divine office,which proved too difficult to continue, Joseph repeated his favorite prayer: “Sancta Maria, succurre miseris.”  Joseph was beatified by Clement XII in 1737 and canonized by Benedict XIV in 1746.

Lesson From a Madman / Una lección de un loco

The demoniac’s condition is pitiful. He walks alone among the dead scourging himself. He had been bound with many chains, yet not one could restrain him. 

What caused him to run to Jesus “at once?” Did the man rush to Jesus in a desperate attempt for freedom? Or, were the demons who possessed him trying to strike a deal with God and escape further condemnation? The Scriptures aren’t explicit, but the rest of the story leads one to believe that the answer is both

“What have you to do with me?” the demoniac asks. This strikes us as the plea of a desperate man. But don’t we similarly question God? “Jesus, please explain why you’re letting my life fall apart? God, are you going to do something, or let me suffer forever? Don’t you see me?”   

Yet, the demoniac has an unrevealed insight about who Jesus is calling Him, “Son of the Most High God,” which confirms that the demons are also engaged in the conversation. They know that a reckoning is upon them and ask to not be tormented, “I adjure you by God, do not torture me!” It is very possible, however, that the man is begging for mercy for his cooperation with evil as well. We can relate as this is primarily why we go to confession.

Jesus sends both judgment and mercy. In His judgment, Jesus gives way to Legion’s request and allows the demons to drown in the unclean temple swine as a consequence of their disobedience. Why? They don’t want to leave the territory of the souls they led astray. Being in Greek territory, pagan idolatry was rampant and temples to demons parading as gods were plenty. This hideous scene is a demonstration of God, in His justice, leaving us to our sin if we so choose. 

That is utterly terrifying. Do we really want to drown as a consequence of our sin? After reading this grotesque story, I certainly do not. 

Yet, God’s mercy shines. Just as Legion didn’t want to leave the man (in verse eight Jesus repeatedly rebukes the demons who refuse to leave) Jesus wouldn’t give up the fight to free him. Jesus asks and calls the demon by name, not because He didn’t know it, but to take command and root it out. When Jesus offers us mercy, He goes to the root of our sin. He calls it out by name.

We don’t know what the man did to invite the demons into his life, but his anguish before our Lord displays his hunger for peace once again. To unhook the demons’ talons that had latched onto his soul he had to let Jesus wrestle on His behalf. Doesn’t overcoming sin, vice, or addiction sometimes feel like an endingless wrestling match? It can be. Today’s lesson from a madman is to be an absolute beggar before the Lord. Let Him go into the deep and fight for you.

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La condición del endemoniado es lamentable. Camina solo entre los muertos, azotándose. Había estado atado con muchas cadenas, pero ninguna podía contenerlo.

¿Qué lo hizo echarse a correr hacia Jesús? ¿Se apresuró el hombre hacia Jesús en un intento desesperado por liberarse? ¿O los demonios que lo poseían estaban tratando de llegar a un acuerdo con Dios para escaparse de una condena peor? Las Escrituras no lo especifican pero creo que son ambas cosas.

“¿Qué quieres tú conmigo?”, pregunta el endemoniado. Esto nos parece la súplica de un hombre desesperado. Pero ¿no le preguntamos a Dios de manera semejante? “Jesús, por favor, explícame por qué estás permitiendo que mi vida se desmorone. Dios, ¿vas a hacer algo o vas a dejarme sufrir para siempre? ¿No me ves?”

 Sin embargo, el endemoniado tiene una idea no revelada sobre quién es Jesús llamándolo, “Hijo de Dios Altísimo”, lo cual confirma que los demonios también están involucrados en la conversación. Ellos saben que se acerca un ajuste de cuentas y piden no ser atormentados: “Te ruego por Dios que no me atormentes!” Sin embargo, es muy posible que el hombre también esté pidiendo misericordia por su cooperación con el mal. Podemos identificarnos con él, ya que esta es la razón principal por la que vamos a confesarnos.

Jesús envía tanto juicio como misericordia. En su juicio, Jesús cede a la petición de Legión y permite que los demonios se ahoguen en los cerdos inmundos del templo como consecuencia de su desobediencia. ¿Por qué? No quieren abandonar el territorio de las almas que extraviaron. Al estar en territorio griego, la idolatría pagana estaba desenfrenada y los templos para demonios que se hacían pasar por dioses abundaban. Esta horrible escena es una demostración de que Dios, en su justicia, nos deja con nuestro pecado si así lo elegimos.

Eso es absolutamente aterrador. ¿Realmente queremos ahogarnos como consecuencia de nuestro pecado? Después de leer esta historia grotesca, ciertamente no quiero yo. 

Sin embargo, la misericordia de Dios brilla. Así como Legión no quería dejar al hombre (en el versículo ocho Jesús reprende repetidamente a los demonios que se niegan a irse), Jesús no se daría por vencido en la lucha por liberarlo. Jesús pregunta y llama al demonio por su nombre, no porque no lo supiera, sino para tomar el mando y erradicarlo. Cuando Jesús nos ofrece misericordia, va a la raíz de nuestro pecado. Lo llama por su nombre.

No sabemos qué hizo el hombre para invitar a los demonios a su vida, pero su angustia ante nuestro Señor muestra una vez más su hambre de paz. Para desenganchar las garras de los demonios que se habían aferrado a su alma, tuvo que dejar que Jesús luchará en su nombre. ¿Acaso vencer el pecado, el vicio o la adicción no se siente a veces como una lucha interminable? Puede ser. Hoy la lección de un loco es ser un mendigo absoluto ante el Señor. Déjalo ir a lo más profundo y pelear por ti.

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Former NPS Park Ranger, Catholic educator, and Youth Minister, Melissa Lucca now spends her days evangelizing family and neighbors as a stay-at-home mom. She holds an MA in Theology from the Augustine Institute and pursues personal study in her spare time. Melissa loves Ignatian Spirituality, Mother Mary, and rock climbing. If you don’t hear her and her kiddo laughing at home, then they are probably out on an adventure!

Feature Image Credit: bible.art/p/jj7zyGRqU9fRiU7Kpx93/mark-5:13-and-forthwith-jesus-gave

The views and opinions expressed in the Inspiration Daily blog are solely those of the original authors and contributors. These views and opinions do not necessarily represent those of Diocesan, the Diocesan staff, or other contributors to this blog.

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St. Blaise


St. Blaise

Feast date: Feb 03

Blaise was a hard-working bishop dedicated to encouraging the spiritual and physical health of his people in Sebastea, Armenia.

Although the Edict of Toleration which granted freedom of worship in the Roman empire had been signed five years prior, religious persecution still raged in the country.

According to a legend, a mother came to him with her young son who had a fish bone lodged in his throat. At Bishop Blaise’s command, the child coughed up the bone.

In another tale, Blaise was being led to the prison in Sebastea, and on the way came across a poor old woman whose pig had been stolen by a wolf. Blaise commanded the wolf return the pig, which it did -alive and uninjured – to the amazement of all.

In 316 he was beheaded for not sacrificing to the pagan gods. The account of his life was written nearly 400 years later.

The Germans and Slavs hold him in special honor and for decades many United States Catholics have sought the annual St. Blaise blessing for their throats.