From: richarra@gmail.com

Tap into The Source of Comfort in affliction.

"If at times you are in such confusion of mind that you seem totally
incapable of calming yourself, have immediate recourse to prayer.  And persevere in it in imitation of Christ, Our Lord, Who prayed three
times in the garden to show mankind that only in conversation with God
can afflicted souls find haven and refuge."
--Dom Lorenzo Scupoli, priest and author of the book, 'The Spiritual Combat'

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January 11th - Servant of God John the Gardener
d. 1501

 as John insisted, forgiveness is the loveliest thing in God’s eyes.

 We don’t know much about John, with the exception that he was
gracious, self-sacrificing, and served others without reserve.  He
truly labored in the garden of the Lord, converting many and leading
them along the paths of love and Gospel truth.

John’s life was never easy.  He was born into an extremely poor family
in Portugal.  While still a child, John was orphaned, and gathered
enough food for himself to survive by begging from door to door.  He eventually found work as a shepherd, having walked and begged into
neighboring Spain.  Even as a child, whatever he earned from his hard
days in the fields, he shared with those more needy than himself.

In his young adulthood, John encountered two Franciscans while on a
journey.  Impressed by his simple kindness, charitable spirit, and
joyous disposition (despite what had clearly been a hard life), the
friars invited him to come and work at their friary in Salamanca.
John readily accepted and upon arrival was assigned to the garden.
There, he was instructed to assist the brother with gardening duties.
No task was too menial or difficult for John.  He never complained,
and instead, found joy in each task.

Before long, John entered the Franciscan Order, committing himself to
a rigorous schedule of prayer and meditation, near-constant fasting,
and tireless service to the poor.   In addition, he continued to tend
the garden, growing the most beautiful flowers for the alter of the
Lord, and earning himself the nickname, “the Gardener.”

John was sought out for advice, guidance, and spiritual direction by
many, including businessmen, princes, and other important persons.  He
was gifted with the gift of prophecy and could read the hearts of men,
and therefore offered loving and intimate guidance, leading all toward
the goodness of the Lord.  His most frequent advice was for those who
sought his help to forgive—even when it was difficult-- as this was a pleasing penance to the Lord.

John predicted his own death, January 11, 1501. His legacy in service
and truth reminds us that to be great in the eyes of the Lord we need
only love each other, simply and joyously.


Saint Quote:
"Give as if every pasture in the mountains of Ireland belonged to you."
--Saint Aidan.

Bible Quote:
And all the angels stood round about the throne, and about the elders
and the four beasts, and fell before the throne on their faces, and
worshipped God, Saying, Amen! Blessing, and glory, and wisdom, and thanksgiving, and honour, and power, and might, be unto our God for
ever and ever. Amen  (Revelation 7:11,12 )


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A prayer of Pere Leonce de Grandmaison, SJ, for the heart of a child:

Holy Mary, Mother of God,
preserve in me the heart of a child,
pure and transparent as a spring.

Obtain for me a simple heart
That does not brood over sorrows;
A heart generous in giving itself,
Quick to feel compassion;
A faithful, generous heart
that forgets no favor
and holds no grudge.

Give me a humble, gentle heart
Loving without asking any return;
A great indomitable heart
That no ingratitude can close,
No indifference can weary;
A heart tortured by its desire
for the glory of Jesus Christ:
Pierced by His love
With a wound that will heal
only in Heaven.

--- SoupGate-Win32 v1.05
* Origin: www.darkrealms.ca (1:229/2)