Pope S. Evaristus| Daily Meditation| Daily Quote by S. Padre Pio| Divine Mercy Reflection
Today in the Latin Calendar we commemorate Pope S. Evaristus, Martyr. A story about this commemoration can be found by Clicking Here.
Another Story
St. Evaristus was the son of a Greek Jew, originally from Bethlehem, and was the sixth Pope of the Catholic Church. He is traditionally considered a martyr, but there is no documentation of the event. He is buried in the Vatican, near Saint Peter.
Saint Evaristus succeeded Saint Anacletus as pope. The text of the Liber Pontificalis, says of him:
“Evaristus, born in Greece of a Jewish father named Juda, originally from the city of Bethlehem, reigned for thirteen years, six months and two days, under the reigns of Domitian, Nerva and Trajan, from the Consulate of Valens and Veter (96) until that of Gallus and Bradua (108). This pontiff divided among the priests the titles of the city of Rome. By a constitution he established seven deacons who were to assist the bishop and serve as authentic witnesses for him. During the three ordinations which he conducted in the month of December, he promoted six priests, two deacons and five bishops, destined for various churches. Evaristus received the crown of martyrdom. He was buried near the body of Blessed Peter in the Vatican, on the sixth day of the Calends of November (October 25, 108). The episcopal throne remained vacant for nineteen days.”
Pope Saint Evaristus is assumed to have given his life by martyrdom at the same time as St. Ignatius of Antioch. He is often represented with a sword because he was decapitated, or with a crib, because it is believed that he was born in Bethlehem, from which his father emigrated.
Daily Meditation
Elements of Evangelization:
The love of neighbor, the reaching out to those who never have known Christ or whose relationship with Jesus has waned, the participation of all, the transformation of people and social structures, the use of new media to share faith—these are elements of our call to the New Evangelization.
Quote by S. Padre Pio:
The Cross must be our daily bread.
Divine Mercy Reflection
Reflections on Notebook Five: 263-326
As we begin Notebook Five, Saint Faustina’s understanding of the Mercy of God should be more alive to you. Hopefully you have a deeper understanding of the infinite love of God and His burning desire to embrace you, free you from the burden of sin, and shower you with His grace.
It should also be clear that God is silent at times so as to strengthen you, purify you and deepen your trust in Him. God’s wisdom and His ways are beyond what we could ever imagine. He is perfect in His love and you must have full confidence in the direction He gives to your life.
As we enter into this notebook, try to believe and live all that you have read so far. It’s one thing to believe it intellectually, it’s quite another thing to believe it with your actions. You must believe in the Mercy of God with your actions. You must let all that you have read take hold of you and direct the way you live. One way to do this is to go back to any reflections that have stood out so far. If something has stood out, be it a particular reflection or a general theme, pay attention to that. The Message of Mercy is broad and all encompassing, but it’s also particular to you. Let the Lord speak directly to you revealing the specific truths that you need to embrace the most.
Reflection 299: The Weariness of Human Wisdom
The words of truth, spoken from the Heart of our Lord, bring joy to our lives and rejuvenate our spirits. When you hear these words of truth, take them in and act on them, you are set free from the burden of error and may experience a certain lightness of spirit and refreshment. However, the opposite is true also. When you listen to an error, take it in and believe it, the fruit of this error is one of sadness and burden. The truth sets you free and an error weighs you down. This is good to be attentive to when you offer advice to another. If your words appear to lift them up and strengthen them, then you have an indication that you are speaking from the Heart of Christ. The same is true when you take the counsel of another. If their words immediately connect with you, filling you with a sense of inspiration and clarity, then listen and receive this word because they are most likely speaking the words our Lord has inspired them to speak to you (See Diary #1461).
Reflect today upon the conversations you have had this past week. How did you feel afterwards? Did you feel inspired and renewed? Or did you feel dry and down. And how have your words affected others over this past week? Did you notice a healthy difference in them and a lightening of their spirits? Do a practical and concrete examination of your conversations and recommit yourself to listening to and speaking that which comes from the merciful Heart of Jesus.
Lord, I desire to be an instrument of Your Mercy in every way. I pray, today, that I may especially do so through the words I offer to others. May my words be Your Word, dear Lord. And may I seek refreshment from Your Heart as I open myself to Your Word spoken through others. I love You, dear Lord, help me to love You more and to be an instrument of that love to all with whom I converse. Jesus, I trust in You.
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