"Whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me." (Mark 8: 34).
Friday 21st February 2020 in the 6th Week in Ordinary Time is the feast of St Peter Damian (1001 - 1072), Benedictine monk, Bishop and Doctor of the Church. Peter Damian lived over 200 years before St Francis of Assisi and almost 500 years before St Ignatius Loyola. When we honor the saints, we glorify Jesus Christ, the King of all Saints.
It would appear that the Scriptures in the Liturgy today is written to celebrate the life of the monk-Cardinal whose life we celebrate today. Damian was a reformer who urged his fellow clergy to live upright lives. Many clergy at all levels were at this time living sordid lives. But Peter pursued reforms with the heart of a pastor unlike Martin Luther (1483 - 1546) who preferred to tear up the seamless garment of the Body of Christ and got nether the reform he sought but instead thousands of petty churches quibbling over doctrines.
I like the Opening Prayer in Mass of St Peter Damian:
"All-powerful God, help us to follow the teachings and example of Peter Damian. By making Christ and the service of His Church the first love of our lives, may we come to the joys of eternal light, where He lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever."
May we all say Amen!
Daily Bible Verse @ Seekfirst.blogspot.com
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