Appreciating God's Grace

Be grateful, therefore, for the least gift and you will be worthy
to receive a greater. Consider the least gift as the greatest, the
most contemptible as something special. And, if you but look to the
dignity of the Giver, no gift will appear too small or worthless. Even
though He give punishments and scourges, accept them, because He acts
for our welfare in whatever He allows to befall us.
He who desires to keep the grace of God ought to be grateful when
it is given and patient when it is withdrawn. Let him pray that it
return; let him be cautious and humble lest he lose it.
Imitation of Christ:-- a Kempis Bk II Ch 10

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• October 26th - Saint Evaristus, Pope and Martyr

(died 107)
Pope Saint Evaristus was the 4th successor of Saint Peter. While
little is known about this 5th pope, we do know that Saint Evaristus
governed the Church for 9 years, during which time he laid the
groundwork for future Church policy. Saint Evaristus was profoundly
committed to the expansion of vocations in the Church. The institution
of cardinal priests is ascribed to him, as he is the pope who first
divided Rome into several titles or parishes, assigning a priest to
each. He also appointed seven deacons to attend the bishop and
conferred holy orders 3 times in the month of December which was quite
unusual, given that these ceremonies were generally reserved for
seasons of fasting and prayer.

Saint Evaristus lived in the 2nd century, born into a Jewish family in Bethlehem. He is often depicted in art accompanied by a crib,
reflecting his close ties to Christ, due to the place of his birth.
Saint Evaristus’ parents immigrated to Greece while he was very young,
and the future pope was brought up in the Jewish faith. Pious,
knowledgeable, and virtuous, Evaristus received the best education of
the time.

As he grew, he was more and more drawn to Christianity, and eventually
he became a priest, traveling to Rome, and engaging in ministry there
despite the growing threat and persecution of Christians. He was much
admired for his devotion to the Lord, service to others, and
commitment to the teachings of Christ. So loved was he that when Pope Anancletus (who had elevated him to bishop) was martyred, Saint
Evaristus was selected to replace him. For his part, Evaristus
proclaimed his belief that he was unworthy to take the throne of
Peter, but the Lord saw to his ascension.

Pope Saint Evaristus led the Church for approximately 8 years, during
which time he organized the Roman See, instructed and encouraged the
clergy, and prepared the faithful for the persecution that was
imminent. He wrote several letters, each reinforcing the teachings of
the Church. In his first epistle, addressed to the bishops of Africa,
Evaristus decreed that 7 deacons were to monitor a bishop’s preaching,
to ensure that he did not lapse from the true teachings. Evaristus did
not wish to see undue accusations aimed at his bishops, yet reserved
solely to the See of Rome the power to terminate any bishop as a
result of this indiscretion. His second epistle drew a comparison
between the lasting bond of husband and wife and that of a bishop and
his diocese.

During the leadership of Pope Saint Evaristus, the clergy were
solidified and the congregations of believers grew at an astounding rate--largely due to his love and zeal for the truth of Christ.
However, as were most popes at that time of Church formation,
Evaristus was eventually arrested during the reign of Emperor
Domitian, and sentenced to death for being a Christian. As he was
taken to prison, his jailers were amazed to see the joy on his face,
as he thought himself privileged to have been found worthy to suffer
and die for Jesus. He was martyred by decapitation, and his remains
were buried in the Vatican near the tomb of Saint Peter.

While little is known about the life of our 5th pope, we can feel
certain of his commitment to, and love of, the Lord. Pope St Evaristus inherited a difficult task--to assume the leadership of a Church beset
by persecution and suffering. Rather than turning outward, this great
leader looked within the Church, strengthening the roles of bishops
and clergy, preparing the faithful to survive and thrive during their suffering, as Jesus did. His simple faith, love, and courage helped
prepare the Church to weather the great storm!


Saint Quote:
What I recommend most earnestly is not to lose heart when you are
tempted. Do you wish to succeed? The best way is to reveal the
temptations to your spiritual director immediately. The devil loves
darkness. He always operates in the dark because he knows that if he
is discovered he is beaten.
--St. John Bosco

Bible Quote:
"It was by faith that Abraham obeyed the call to set out for a country
that was the inheritance given to him and his descendants, and that he
set out without knowing where he was going. By faith he sojourned in
the Promised Land as though it were not his, living in tents with
Isaac and Jacob, who were heirs with him of the same promise."
[Hebrews 11:8-9[


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Hail, Sweet Jesus!
Prayer to Christ
in His Passion and Death
By St Francis de Sales (1567-1622)

Hail, sweet Jesus!
Praise, honour and glory be to Thee, O Christ,
Who, of Thou own accord, embraced death,
and recommending Thyself to Thy heavenly Father,
bowing down Thy venerable Head,
did yield up Thy Spirit.
Truly thus giving up Thy life for Thy sheep,
Thou hast shown Thyself, to be the Good Shepherd.
Thou died, O Only-begotten Son of God.
Thou died, O my beloved Saviour,
that I might live forever.
O how great hope,
how great confidence have
I reposed in Thy Death and Thy Blood!
I glorify and praise Thy Holy Name,
acknowledging my infinite obligations to Thee.
O good Jesus,
by Thy bitter Death and Passion,
give me grace and pardon.
Give unto the faithful departed,
rest and life everlasting.
Amen.

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