-- Proverbs 14:8-9 --

-- Proverbs 14:8-9 --

The wisdom of a prudent man is to discern his way,
    but the folly of fools is deceiving.
9 God scorns the wicked,[a]
    but the upright enjoy his favor.  RSVCE
=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=
=3D
How rarely we find goodwill around us today. Angry drivers scowl at
each other in the streets. People fight to be first in line.
Disgruntled employers and employees both demand their rights. But the
common bond of God's people should be goodwill. Those with goodwill
think the best of others and assume that others have good motives and
intend to do what is right. When someone crosses you and you feel your
blood pressure rising, ask yourself, "How can I show goodwill to this
person?"

<<>><<>><<>>
December 11th - Blessed Hugolinus Magalotti
Also known as
Hugolino Magalotti
Ugolino Magalotti

Hugolinus was a scion of the famous and noble family of the Magalotti.
He was born toward the close of the fourteenth century on an estate
near the city of Camerino, Italy. His mother died while he was still
quite young, but his excellent father was deeply concerned about the
education of the boy, so that nothing was left wanting. By his
obedience, affection, and other virtues Hugolinus gave much joy to
this father. His lively temperament caused him many a struggle, but
the guidance of his father and the grace of God helped him overcome
his evil inclinations.

As he grew older, Hugolinus applied himself to the study of the
sciences. Spiritual books, however, held the greatest attraction for
him. He read them constantly, impressed their lessons on his mind and
heart, and regulated his life accordingly. He did not speak much, but
his example edified everybody.

After his father died, the youth thought he heard addressed to him the
words of our Lord to the rich young man: =E2=80=9CIf you wish to be perfect=
,
go, sell what you have, and give to the poor=E2=80=9D (Mt. 19,21). Hugolinu=
s
did not hesitate a moment. He sold all his possessions and divided the
proceeds among the poor, particularly the widows and orphans. Stripped
of all material things, Blessed Hugolinus Magalotti withdrew to a
hermitage, where he led a truly celestial life. Prayer and meditation
were the nourishment of his soul; and on his body he imposed the
severest fasts and mortifications.

The enemy of virtue did not neglect to attack him severely. One time
he would tempt him by stirring up sensual desires and reminding him of
the pleasures he could enjoy out in the world. At other times he would
frighten him by appearing to him in horrible forms. But Hugolinus
proved to be a good soldier of Jesus Christ; prayer, penance, and
especially trustful appeal to the Immaculate Mother of God, made him
victorious in every struggle.

God rewarded the fidelity of His servant with extraordinary favors.
Enlightened by God, he gave advice and consolation to the faithful,
who appealed to him in great numbers. He miraculously restored health
to many sick persons.

When Blessed Hugolinus Magalotti perceived that his end was drawing
near, he became even more intimately united with God. Having received
the last sacraments several times, he died peacefully in the Lord in
1373. His body was laid to rest in the church of St John the Baptist
at Figni, Camerino, and immediately the people began to venerate him.
This veneration was approved by Pope Pius IX, and Pope Leo XIII
permitted his feast to be celebrated.

From: The Franciscan Book of Saints, Marion A. Habig, OFM

Saint Quote:
O Lord, grant us that love which can never die, which will enkindle
our lamps but not extinguish them, so that they may shine in us and
bring light to others. Most dear Savior, enkindle our lamps that they
may shine forever in your temple. May we receive unquenchable light
from you so that our darkness will be illuminated and the darkness of
the world will be made less. Amen.
-- Saint Columba of Ireland

Bible Quote:
8 The precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart; the
commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes;
9 the fear of the Lord is clean, enduring for ever; the ordinances of
the Lord are true, and righteous altogether.
10 More to be desired are they than gold, even much fine gold; sweeter
also than honey and drippings of the honeycomb.
11 Moreover by them is your servant warned; in keeping them there is
great reward. [Psalm 19:8-11]


<><><><>
Let Your goodness, Lord, Appear to Us
An Advent Prayer
By St Bernard (1090-1153)

Let Your goodness, Lord,
appear to us,
that we, made in Your image,
conform ourselves to it.
In our own strength
we cannot imitate
Your majesty, power and wonder,
nor is it fitting for us to try.
But Your mercy reaches from the heavens
through the clouds to the earth below.
You have come to us as a small child
but You have brought us
the greatest of all gifts,
the gift of eternal love.
Caress us with Your tiny hands,
embrace us with Your tiny arms
and pierce our hearts
with Your soft, sweet cries.
Amen