Memorial of Saint Philip Neri, priest
Readings for the day
Biographical Information about Saint Philip Neri, priest
First Published: Friday, May 26, 2006
Faith Satisfies the Hungry Heart
Reflection:
"Cheerfulness strengthens the heart and makes us persevere in a good life. Therefore the servant of God ought always to be in good spirits." -Saint Philip Neri
In the Gospel today, Jesus is continuing to speak to the disciples before his passion. Actually, it is still a discourse at the last supper. In this part of his conversation with the disciples he uses an apt analogy. He compares his death and resurrection to the birth of a child and the mother of that child, if we follow the analogy is the Church.
He describes how the pain of Holy Week is like labor and his resurrection, the birth of a new child. It is an apt analogy indeed and one we can ride forward as we see the early fumbling of the Apostles. The missteps as they learn to walk on their own. Paul is clearly in those that pre-school era where we are still learning to play with others. We can almost see the motherly figure of the Holy Spirit behind him encouraging him and counseling him.
Later in the life of this child, our Church, great figures arise showing us the power of that same Holy Spirit and how she is still with us. Today we celebrate and memorialize one of those people, St. Philip of Neri. St. Philip is best known for founding the Oratory of Rome. However, if we look at his life we see that this great work only came after many different attempts to do what he thought God wanted him to do and to be. His heart wanted solitary contemplation all those years ago (he lived 1515-1595). But every time he tried the hermit approach he was given a vision of something greater he was to do.
What makes St. Philip stand out for us, among other things is his ability to bring hope to the hopeless and his steadfast dedication to Gods work. I think that is a great example of faith for us and good model. I also loved what I quoted at the beginning of this reflection. Cheerfulness strengthens the heart, Jesus was telling us that once the birth of the child was accomplished there would be great joy. Lets get out there today and be cheerful, darn it! Pax
Readings for the day
Biographical Information about Saint Philip Neri, priest
First Published: Friday, May 26, 2006
Faith Satisfies the Hungry Heart
Reflection:
"Cheerfulness strengthens the heart and makes us persevere in a good life. Therefore the servant of God ought always to be in good spirits." -Saint Philip Neri
In the Gospel today, Jesus is continuing to speak to the disciples before his passion. Actually, it is still a discourse at the last supper. In this part of his conversation with the disciples he uses an apt analogy. He compares his death and resurrection to the birth of a child and the mother of that child, if we follow the analogy is the Church.
He describes how the pain of Holy Week is like labor and his resurrection, the birth of a new child. It is an apt analogy indeed and one we can ride forward as we see the early fumbling of the Apostles. The missteps as they learn to walk on their own. Paul is clearly in those that pre-school era where we are still learning to play with others. We can almost see the motherly figure of the Holy Spirit behind him encouraging him and counseling him.
Later in the life of this child, our Church, great figures arise showing us the power of that same Holy Spirit and how she is still with us. Today we celebrate and memorialize one of those people, St. Philip of Neri. St. Philip is best known for founding the Oratory of Rome. However, if we look at his life we see that this great work only came after many different attempts to do what he thought God wanted him to do and to be. His heart wanted solitary contemplation all those years ago (he lived 1515-1595). But every time he tried the hermit approach he was given a vision of something greater he was to do.
What makes St. Philip stand out for us, among other things is his ability to bring hope to the hopeless and his steadfast dedication to Gods work. I think that is a great example of faith for us and good model. I also loved what I quoted at the beginning of this reflection. Cheerfulness strengthens the heart, Jesus was telling us that once the birth of the child was accomplished there would be great joy. Lets get out there today and be cheerful, darn it! Pax
posted by Deacon Jim | 7:13 PM
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