Why do you delay?

Why do you delay, why are you afraid? Believe, give praise, and
receive. Let humility be bold, let modesty be confident. This is no
time for virginal simplicity to forget prudence. In this matter alone,
O prudent Virgin, do not fear to be presumptuous. Though modest
silence is pleasing, dutiful speech is now more necessary. Open your
heart to faith, O blessed Virgin, your lips to praise, your womb to
the Creator. See, the desired of all nations is at your door, knocking
to enter. If he should pass by because of your delay, in sorrow you
would begin to seek him afresh, the One whom your soul loves. Arise,
hasten, open. Arise in faith, hasten in devotion, open in praise and thanksgiving. Behold the handmaid of the Lord, she says, be it done to
me according to your word.
-- Saint Bernard of Clairvaux from a homily

<<>><<>><<>>
January 16th – Saint Melas of Rhinocolura , Bishop
(also known as Melantius)

Died c. 385. When in the 4th century a decree was issued for the exile
of all bishops who did not convert to Arianism, the officers appointed
to enforce it found Melas engaged in trimming the lamps of his church
in Rhinocolura, a little town on the Mediterranean near the boundary
between Egypt and Palestine. No one would have thought he was a
bishop, for he was clad in an old cloak fastened with a girdle and
soiled with oil. Mistaking him for a burger or workman, they asked to
see the bishop and he replied that he would take them to him. He led
them to his own house and, as they were tired from their journey, made
them sit at table, set food before them, and brought water to wash
their hands. After this refreshment they said they would now see the
bishop and he then told them who he was. "But I am the bishop," he
said, "What is your business?"

They were so taken aback that, after they had confessed their mission,
they refused to interfere with him. Out of respect, they said, they
could not do otherwise. "But," he replied, "I do not mind what
suffering I am subject to. I am accustomed to austerity. And I will
willingly go into exile for the sake of my principles." He would not
shrink from the sufferings to which other bishops who held the same
sentiments as himself were exposed, and insisted on sharing their
exile. Such was the quality and spirit of those who in those days
remained true to the Christian faith (Benedictines, Gill).

Saint Quote:
Thy name, betokening beauty, befits thy life, foretells thy splendor
in the glory of Thy holy cross. The cross exalts thee, the blessed
cross loves thee, the bitter cross prepares for thee the joys of the
light to come. The mystery of the cross shines in thee with a twofold
beauty: for by the cross thou dost vanquish insults and dost preach to
men the Divine blood shed on the cross. Give fervor to our languid
hearts, and take us under thy care, that so, by the victory of the
cross, we may reach our home in heaven. Amen
--Pope Saint Damasus

Bible Quote:
In thy sight are all they that afflict me; my heart hath expected
reproach and misery. And I looked for one that would grieve together
with me, but there was none: and for one that would comfort me, and I
found none. And they gave me gall for my food, and in my thirst they
gave me vinegar to drink." (Ps. 68:21-22)


<><><><>
Prayer to the Holy Name
St. Alphonsus Liguori

O my Jesus, You are the Saviour
who has given Your blood and Your life for me,
I pray You to write Your adorable name on my poor heart;
so that having it always imprinted in my heart by love,
I may also have it ever on my lips,
by invoking it in all my necessities.
If the devil tempts me,
Your name will give me strength to resist him;
if I lose confidence, Your name will animate me to hope;
if I am in affliction, Your name will comfort me,
by reminding me of all You have endured for me.
If I find myself cold in Your love,
Your name will inflame me by reminding me
of the love You have shown me.
I have fallen into so many sins
because I did not call on You;
from henceforth Your name shall be
my defense,
my refuge,
my hope,
my only consolation,
my only love.
Thus do I hope to live and so do I hope to die,
having Your name always on my lips.
Amen

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