God gave us what was most precious

"The sum of all is God, the Lord of all, who from love of his
creatures has delivered his Son to death on the cross. For God so
loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son for it. Not that he
was unable to save us in another way, but in this way it was possible
to show us his abundant love abundantly, namely, by bringing us near
to him by the death of his Son. If he had anything more dear to him,
he would have given it to us, in order that by it our race might be
his. And out of his great love he did not even choose to urge our
freedom by compulsion, though he was able to do so. But his aim was
that we should come near to him by the love of our mind. And our Lord
obeyed his Father out of love for us."
 by Isaac of Nineveh (a Syrian monk, teacher, and bishop),
613-700(excerpt from ASCETICAL HOMILY 74.28)

<<>><<>><<>>
June 15th – Saint Landelin of Crespin
Also known as
Landelinus
Lando
Landolin
Landolinus

Born at Vaux near Bapaume, France, c. 625; died c. 686. Though
carefully raised by Bishop Saint Aubert of Cambrai, Saint Landelinus
went astray for a time. We often take it for granted that we must
teach children about the lures and dangers of the world and the need
for continual prayer and watchfulness to avoid the pitfalls.
Apparently, Bishop Aubert instilled only innocence and virtue into
Landelinus. Unprepared to handle the seductions of the world,
Landelinus fell in with bad company and became a robber. He was struck
with terror when one of his companions died suddenly. Recognizing his
error, he flew to Saint Aubert and threw himself at the feet of the
good bishop who had never ceased praying for Landelinus's repentance.

Aubert gave him the penance of making reparations in a monastery for
some years. This Landelinus undertook with fervor and contrition. His
zeal became such that Aubert ordained him deacon and, at the age of
30, priest. He was assigned to preach but begged to be allowed to
continue his penitential life as a hermit. With Aubert's permission,
Landelinus retired to Laubach on the banks of the Sambre.

He attracted several disciples to him, who each lived in a separate
cell. In 654, they joined in community life by founding the Lobbes
(Lanbacum) Abbey. When the abbey was complete, the brothers tried to
convince Landelinus to govern them. Feeling himself unworthy to lead
saints, he left them under the direction of Saint Ursmar and again
sought solitude. A second time, disciples gathered leading to the
establishment of Aulne Abbey in 656, which now belongs to the
Cistercians. The pattern repeated itself with the founding of the
abbey at Walers (657). Finally, Landelinus and his companions Saints
Domitian and Hadelinus erected some cells in a thick forest between
Mons and Valenciennes. Again, disciples found them and Créspin (Crepy, Crespiacum) Abbey was founded in 670. Realizing that God might be
telling him something, Landelinus agreed to govern this flock, which
he did until his death. While continuing his penitential courses,
Landelinus began preaching in the nearby villages. Thus, he fulfilled
God's plan for his life (Benedictines, Encyclopedia, Husenbeth).

In art, Saint Landelinus is portrayed as he is dying in sackcloth and
ashes, while the devil carries his former companion to hell. He might
also be shown in Mass vestments, striking water from the earth with
his pastoral staff (Roeder). Landelinus is venerated in Cambrai
(Roeder).


Saint Quote :
Prayer is to our soul what rain is to the soil. Fertilize the soil
ever so richly, it will remain barren unless fed by frequent rains.
--St. John Vianney

Bible Quote:
Therefore put away all filthiness and rank growth of wickedness and
receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your
souls.  [James 1: 21]  RSVCE


<><><><>
“Love wakes much and sleeps little
and, in sleeping, does not sleep.
It faints but is not weary;
it is restricted in its liberty
and is great freedom.
It sees reasons to fear
and does not fear
but, like an ember or a spark of fire,
flames always upward,
by the fervour of its love, toward God
and through the special help of grace,
is delivered from all perils and dangers.”
--Thomas à Kempis

--- SoupGate-Win32 v1.05
* Origin: fsxNet Usenet Gateway (21:1/5)