Ignatiusedy's Blog

ESSENTIAL LEGACY 28 Agustus 2009

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2 Peter 1:12-15  So I will always remind you of these things, even though you know them and are firmly established in the truth you now have. I think it is right to refresh your memory as long as I live in the tent of this body, because I know that I will soon put it aside, as our Lord Jesus Christ has made clear to me. And I will make every effort to see that after my departure you will always be able to remember these things.

Peter knows he will soon die; a victim of lies and violence. However, he does not despair. His job for Christ on earth is almost over, but not quite yet. So he writes to ensure a legacy of changed lives, encouraging the church to endure through suffering; eagerly awaiting the return of Jesus. He knows that the chill winds of persecution will stir all kinds of fearful reactions, and that the only way to stay on track as a Christian, is to be constantly reminded of the truth about Christ’s salvation, and how to follow Him each day.

It is not that we deliberately forget: we just get so busy, or simply focussed on our responsibilities – that we fail to bring God’s truth to the front of our minds. When that happens, our decisions cannot be Godly, and degenerate to the level of our best thoughts. But our bright ideas are not good enough to steer us (or anybody we teach) safely to heaven. In fact, many of the New Testament letters are reminders of what the believers ought to have known and should have been practicing, but they had just slipped out of mind.

In the same way that Peter wanted to make every effort to remind them (which is why he wrote these two letters), serious Christians must make every effort to keep reminding each other, and allow themselves to be freshly stirred by gospel truth. That should be the prophetic work of every ministry – to bring people back to love and obey the truths of God’s covenant. This is the reason that Word@Work is delivered to you today: to remind you to live according to the grace of Christ as revealed in the Scriptures. It may also be the reason why God has placed you alongside another believer (or put you in email contact); so that you can also stir them up to love and good works (cf Heb 10:24).

Prayer:  Father God. Please forgive me for not allowing Your Word the biggest space in my thinking, so that it might be the judge of my desires and decisions. Help me to make every effort to open my mind to Your truth, in church, daily devotions and through Word@Work; and not to assume that I ‘know’ when really I have forgotten to obey you. Please restore me to walking in Your Light, and enable me to remind other believers to do the same. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

DEFECTIVE VISION 28 Agustus 2009

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2 Peter 1:9  But if anyone does not have them, he is short-sighted and blind, and has forgotten that he has been cleansed from his past sins.

Myopia (short-sightedness) is the inability to focus the eye on distant objects. Peter uses it as an illustration of those Christians who have received so much from God (grace, peace, faith, promises and power), and yet are unwilling to put everything into their relationship with Jesus (cf 2 Pet 1:1-7). So Peter prescribes a spiritual work-out of: practicing goodness, getting to know God, self-control, perseverance, godliness, kindness and love. Then he describes the reason why some believers refuse to work-out for Christ’s sake.

They simply do not see the point of exerting themselves, or changing their lifestyle. That is because they cannot see beyond the end of their fingers, and all that they might grasp. The problem is not that they cannot see the future (although they cannot), but that they cannot see the past. They have forgotten all that the Lord Jesus Christ has done for them in the past. They are like children grabbing precious gifts and treating them like trivial toys, soon losing interest. Anybody who fails to be deeply impressed by the sacrifice of Jesus, as the substitutionary punishment for our sins, has no basis for growing in relationship with God.

They may have once gladly heard and received the gospel. But when they forget the enormity of their sins and the greatness of their salvation, there is no motivation for active lifestyle change. And so that part of God’s kingdom has a pitifully small spiritual productivity. Alas such Christians are everywhere: they can hardly be called followers of Jesus, because they make no real effort to do so. Yes, they go to church where they find an convenient social group. But put them in the workplace, and they are indistinguishable from well mannered unbelievers. They cannot see any reason to be different, because they have forgotten the sight of the blooded Jesus dying in agony on that cross for them. What terrible spiritual unproductiveness. It is high time to see the Christian life through Peter’s apostolic lens; and decide to repent and change.

Prayer:  Holy God. Please forgive me when I presume upon Your kindness and forget the enormous cost of my salvation to Jesus. Forgive me when I have taken your blessings carelessly and not wanted to honour You with my whole heart and lifestyle. Please help me, through the lens of Peter’s letter and other parts of the Bible, to see my sin upon that cross. Help me to work-out spiritually each day so that my character will develop to reflect that of Jesus Christ. For His Name’s sake. Amen.

ENERGETIC COOPERATION 28 Agustus 2009

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2 Peter 1:5-7  For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love.

Peter previously explained that God is committed to saving all who will trust in Jesus, and sanctifying all who believe His promises (cf 2 Pet 1:3-4). But what about us; are we to be simply inert and enjoy believing, while God does everything around us? No! When we were called into the Kingdom of God, He wanted us to be in relationship with Him; to work with him in His ‘family business’. So Peter now identifies some of the spiritual disciplines that are necessary in any workplace, and essential if we are to work effectively with God.

But before the catalogue of attitudes and behaviour, Peter underlines that half-heartedness is not an option. We must ‘make every effort’. Like a soldier in training or a student doctor, a careless attitude makes them a danger to themselves and others. And so it is for followers of Christ. It is useless talking about how Jesus has changed your life, if you make no effort to do what is right and good (and forsake the bad). It makes no sense to assume that you know everything and have no need to learn – because that is not true; and the more we get to know God through his Word, the more useful we can be. Self-control is vital in any family and workplace; and in God’s Kingdom, those who will not discipline themselves cannot be trusted in ministry.

Keeping going, when everything around and inside you screams for you to stop, demonstrates the cooperation of the believer who refuses to step back, with the Lord who give us the power to advance. Godliness is the likeness of Christ in our natures; kindliness in the recognition of mutual honour in God’s family. And, love is the ability to keep giving whatever is needed for God to be glorified. Christians like that in the workplace are like gold; solid, dependable, constant, reliable, trustworthy and of great value. They may be ridiculed for following Jesus, but they will be admired for their standards, values and productivity. But, as for those who just talk about faith, their hollowness is evident to all.

Prayer:  Dear Lord. I am ashamed to have been too passive in my faith, somehow assuming that holiness will stick to me if I go to church! How much my character still needs to be reformed, changing my focus of life so that Christ-likeness becomes my primary goal. Please help me to practice the faith I profess and to set objectives for progress in personal disciplines, so that I can be better equipped to work with you. For Your glory’s sake. Amen.

GOD’S COPYRIGHT 25 Agustus 2009

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2 Peter 1:20-21  Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture came about by the prophet’s own interpretation. For prophecy never had its origin in the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.

Many people assume that the Bible’s writers were also its authors. That is true for most of the books on library shelves; and those editors who compile or condense another author’s work will also want to express some personal interpretation. But the Bible is radically different. None of its 40 writers were its original author. The authority behind everything they wrote was God’s Holy Spirit. He breathed God’s truth into their minds and hearts, enabling them to write things they did not understand, and even accurately predict the future.

So the authorship was God’s, even though the text and grammatical style was in the writers’ hands. But, they did not invent the ideas, nor did they set out to be world famous authors. They simply allowed God to use them. Neither did they select themselves for the job: God chose them. Nor did they use the opportunity to express their personal views: the Holy Spirit guided them to express the message God gave them in a way that would communicate to their immediate audience, and also to us many centuries later.

All those who seek the Lord, and His will, need to understand this in the Holy Scriptures. If we assume that the Bible’s words are human inventions, then we will judge them by our standards. But if we appreciate that God Himself is speaking to us, then we will (or should) be seriously in awe of what we read. Every instruction is to be obeyed, every promise is to be trusted; every rebuke should stimulate repentance, and every warning heeded immediately. In other words, the Word of God is not just good advice or a collection of suggestions to be considered, but Royal commands to be put into action. So expect God to speak when you read the Bible, and when He does, do it!

Prayer:  Almighty God. Thank you for inspiring Godly people to record the thoughts of Your heart in such a way that You can speak to me through the Bible, as you have to many generations before me. Help me to honour Your Word, by humbly accepting what You say and acting upon it. For Jesus Christ’s sake. Amen.

SPIRITUAL QUALITY ASSURANCE 25 Agustus 2009

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2 Peter 1:10-11  Therefore, my brothers, be all the more eager to make your calling and election sure. For if you do these things, you will never fall, and you will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.

Quality control has become a routine part of every production and service process. Inspectors check samples, accountants audit spreadsheets and schools have exams. Each process has ‘intended outcomes’ that can be measured. But quality control, by itself, can never ensure product consistency or high value service; any more than exams can create knowledge. All it can do is to examine the end points. In fact, it is useless without an overarching system of quality assurance which lays down how the processes can achieve a high quality.

God is not unfair. He will not call us to account on the final Day (when Jesus returns), without telling us what He expects and giving us the resources and power to meet the challenge. 2 Peter 1:2-9 sets it all out, and now Peter urges his readers to put the teaching into practice. No college tutor looks for their students to fail: neither does Peter. Indeed, this verse provides encouragement by giving a little preview of God’s prize-giving day. We know that our entry into heaven simply depends on faith in Christ’s finished work (cf Heb 10:14); but our reward depends on the quality of our work (cf 1 Cor 3:10-14). The highest reward is Christ’s personal recognition of our love, devotion, and obedient service.

Now, He has given us all we need for life and godliness (cf 2 Peter 1:3), so the question is, “How have we used the amazing resources God has provided, including all the promises in the Bible?” Well, ultimately that is the Lord’s examination question when we have our final appraisal. But it is very useful to know the question in advance. And no Christian should ever be able to say that they did not know. So, now that we do know, what are we going to do to ensure that we do not fall away from the Lord? Peter has already given the answer in 2 Peter 1:3-7! All we have to do is to get on and do it (see W@W 2Pet5).

Prayer:  Dear Lord. Sometimes heaven seems so far away and the time gap so long that I distracted away from the urgent need to put everything into my relationship with You. Please forgive me for failing to obey you eagerly, and help me to be freshly motivated by the need to ready for your return at any moment. For Christ’s sake. Amen.

ON WATCH 4 Agustus 2009

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1 Peter 5:8 Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.

Recently, I have heard people using a seaman’s expression, “It happened on my watch”. It refers to a time when it was their duty to notice what was going on, and take the appropriate action. Peter urges us to be ‘on watch’ all the time. Most car accidents happen, not by deliberately reckless driving, but by a lapse of concentration or a moment of inattention. That is also the most common way in which followers of Jesus fall into the devil’s trap. They do not set out to be wicked; they just take their eye off the road of holiness. Peter says that we have a spiritual duty to be on the look-out for the opportunities where Satan may try to destroy our relationship with the Lord; and take action to ensure that does not happen.

Satan is always on patrol, like an enemy submarine beneath the shipping lanes of life; or like a lion in the savannah of Africa. From the time of Abraham to the Early Church, lions were common in the Middle East and are referred to in 154 verses of the Bible. This verse talks about a lion that roars: but as you may know, lions who are stalking their prey move silently until they are about to pounce. When they roar, it is to flush the quarry from the undergrowth, frighten the nervous or immature animals into rash movement; or to scatter a herd in order to separate an individual animal from the relative safety of the herd. Likewise, Satan does most of his evil tempting in the silence of darkness. But he also will ‘roar’ to scare us into unwise action, and to try to separate us from our fellow believers.

The isolated Christian is easy prey for the Evil One. Therefore the regular discipline of meeting with others for worship, fellowship and Bible teaching is essential to help us keep strong in the Lord. The teaching of God’s Word helps us learn how to distinguish the devil’s lies from God’s truth. Every Christian needs to be aware that Satan may try to attack us at any time; and so we must be self-controlled and spiritually watchful. Of course, as Jesus said, watching and praying go together (cf Matt 26:41). So, because our fleshly nature is so weak, we cannot afford a moment’s self-indulgence, lest our fleshly hunger becomes the invitation for Satan’s assault. Stay ‘on watch’, and pray for the help of the Holy Spirit to be self-controlled.

Prayer: Loving Lord. Thank You for this reminder that I do not live in a morally neutral world, where I can be spiritually careless, and unintentionally invite the devil’s attack. Help me to be resolved to watch and pray, staying close to You and to the fellowship of my Christian brothers and sisters. For Jesus’ sake, Amen.

Dominic Savio 31 Juli 2009

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Dominic Savio (Italian: Domenico Savio; April 2, 1842 – March 9, 1857)was an Italian adolescent student of John Bosco. He was studying to be a priest when he became ill and died at the age of 14, possibly from pleurisy

Saint Dominic Savio

A prayer card depicting St. Dominic Savio.

His teacher, Saint John Bosco had very high regard for his student, and wrote a biography of his young student, The Life of Dominic Savio. This volume, along with other accounts of him, were critical factors in his cause for sainthood. Despite the fact that many people considered him to have died at too young an age – fourteen – to be considered for sainthood, he was considered eligible for such singular honour on the basis of his having displayed “heroic virtue” in his everyday life. He is the only saint of his age group, which includes Maria Goretti and Ponticus of Lyons , who was declared to be a saint not on the basis of his having been a martyr, but on the basis of having lived what was seen as a holy life. He was canonised a Saint on June 12, 1954 by Pope Pius XII, making him the youngest non-martyr to be canonised in the Catholic Church.

Biography

The major part of the biographical information known about Dominic Savio comes from his biography written by John Bosco, in addition to the testimonies given by Savio’s family and friends

Early life

At home

Savio was born on April 2 1842, to Charles and Bridgit Savio. They lived near Turin. When he was two years old, his parents returned to their native place at Murialdo on the outskirts of Castelnuovo d’Asti (which was the birth-place of John Bosco, and from where they had gone to Riva in 1841 . His parents took great care to give him a Christian upbringing. By the age of four, Dominic was able to pray by himself and was occasionally found in solitude, praying. In his biography of Dominic, Don Bosco records that Savio’s parents recollect how he used to help his mother around the house, welcome his father home, say his prayers without being reminded, (even reminding others when they forgot) and say Grace at mealtimes unfailingly.

At the village school

Fr. Giovanni Zucca from Moriondo, who was then the chaplain at Murialdo when Dominic was five years old, notes in a statement to John Bosco that he came to notice Dominic due to his regular church attendance with his mother, and his habit of kneeling down outside the church to pray (even in the mud or snow) if he happened to come to Church before it had been unlocked in the morning. The chaplain also notes that Savio made good progress at the village school not merely due to his cleverness, but also by working hard; he would not join the other boys in doing something that he believed to be morally wrong and would explain why he thought a particular deed was wrong; At the age of five, he learned to serve Mass, and would try to participate at Mass every day as well as go regularly to Confession. Having been permitted to make his First Communion at an early age, he had much reverence for the Eucharist.

First Communion

At that time, it was customary for children to take their First Communion at the age of twelve. (Pope Pius X would later lower this age to seven After initial hesitation, and subsequent consultation with other priests, the parish priest agreed to permit Dominic to receive his First Communion at the age of seven, since he knew the catechism and understood something of the Eucharist. He spent much time praying and reading in preparation, asking his mother’s forgiveness for anything he might have done to displease her and then went to Church. In his biography of Dominic Savio, John Bosco devotes a chapter to tell of Dominic’s First Communion. He says that several years later, whenever Dominic talked of the day of his First Communion, he said with joy:

“That was the happiest and most wonderful day of my life

John Bosco records that on the day of his First Communion, Dominic made some promises which he wrote in a “little book”, and re-read them many times. John Bosco once looked through Dominic’s book, and he quotes from it the promises that he made:

Resolutions made by me, Dominic Savio, in the year 1849, on the day of my First Communion, at the age of seven.

1. I will go to Confession often, and as frequently to Holy Communion as my confessor allows.

2. I wish to sanctify the Sundays and festivals in a special manner.

3. My friends shall be Jesus and Mary.

4. Death rather than sin.

At the county school

For secondary education, Dominic had to go to another school and it was decided that he would go to the County School at Castelnuovo, three miles (5 km) from his home.^[29] (Castelnuovo d’ Asti, now Castelnuovo Don Bosco, was the birthplace of another contemporary of John Bosco, Joseph Cafasso, also a saint. He was four years the senior of John Bosco, and was Bosco’s mentor and advisor.^[30]) Now ten years old, Dominic walked daily to and from school. In his biography of Dominic Savio, Don Bosco records how a local farmer once asked Dominic, on a hot sunny day, if he was not tired from walking, and received the reply: “Nothing seems tiresome or painful when you are working for a master who pays well.”^[31] Don Bosco also notes that Dominic refused to go swimming^[32] with his friends since Dominic considered that in such a situation, it would be “also easy to offend God”,^[33] he believed that on a previous occasion his friends behaved in, what was to him, a vulgar manner. ^[34] In his biography Bosco records that Fr. Allora, the head of this school, had this to say about Dominic: “…Hence it may very well be said that he was Savio (wise), not only in name, but in fact, viz., in his studies, in piety, in conversation and his dealing with others, and in all his actions. …”

Under Don Bosco’s mentorship

Meeting with John Bosco

It was Fr. Giuseppe Cugliero,^[36] Dominic’s teacher at school, who gave a high account of him to John Bosco and recommended that Bosco meet him during the Feast of the Rosary, when he would take his boys to Murialdo. Accordingly, accompanied by his father, Dominic met John Bosco on the first Monday in the month of October, 1854.^[37] John Bosco records this conversation in some detail. He notes that Dominic was eager to go to Turin with John Bosco, and that he wished to become a priest after completing his studies in that town.^[38] This meeting was the beginning of their relationship, the result of which was that John Bosco agreed to take Dominic to Turin with him.^[39]

At the Oratory of St. Francis de Sales

John Bosco records that when Dominic arrived at the Oratory, he at once placed himself under his guidance.^[40] He also notes that Dominic worked diligently and followed the school rules. He would happily listen to talks and sermons (even if they tended to be lengthy at times), and would, without hesitation, ask for clarification on points that were not clear to him. John Bosco also notes how Dominic was obedient to his teachers and chose his companions carefully.^[41] This happened in the year 1854, while, in Rome, the dogma of the Immaculate Conception of Mary was being defined. Preparations for the observation of this feast were thus going on at the Oratory. Don Bosco records that, at the advice of his confessor, Dominic renewed his First Communion promises at the altar of Mary at the Oratory. John Bosco says that, from this point the result of Dominic’s attempts towards holy life were so apparent, that he (John Bosco) took to recording the various incidents that occurred for future reference.^[42]

John Bosco’s mother, who was called “Mamma Margaret” remarked to him of Dominic,^[43]

“You have many good boys, but none can match the good heart and soul of Dominic. I see him so often at prayer, staying in church after the others; every day he slips out of the playground to make a visit to the Blessed Sacrament. When he is in church he is like an angel living in Paradise.”

Resolve to become a saint

Around six months after Dominic had come to the Oratory, he had the occasion to listen to a talk on sainthood. John Bosco records that the talk had three main points that impressed Dominic:^[44]

1. That it is God’s will that each one should become a saint.

2. That it is easy to become a saint.

3. That there is a great reward waiting in heaven for those who try to become saints.

This inspired Dominic to take a conscious decision to become a saint. The immediate result of this was that, not being sure how to live a saintly life, and worried about it, he was quiet and worried for the next few days. Noticing this, Don Bosco spoke to Dominic and advised him to resume his customary cheerfulness, persevere in his regular life of study and religious practices, and especially not neglect being with his companions in games and recreation.^[45] On learning that his first name meant “belonging to God”, his desire to be a saint intensified.^[46]

Attempts to do penances

In his desire to become a saint, Dominic attempted to perform physical penances, like making his bed uncomfortable with small stones and pieces of wood, sleeping with a thin covering in winter, wearing a hair shirt, and fasting on bread and water. When his superiors (i.e., John Bosco, or his Rector, or his confessor) came to know this, they forbade him from doing bodily mortification, as it would affect his health.^[47] John Bosco told Dominic that as a schoolboy, the best penance would be to perform all his duties with perfection and humility, and that obedience was the greatest sacrifice.^[48] Thus, Dominic formed an important aspect of his philosophy of life, which was, in his words, “I can’t do big things but I want everything to be for the glory of God.”^[49] Don Bosco notes that from that time on, Dominic did not complain about the food or the weather, unlike some other boys at the Oratory, bore all suffering cheerfully, and practised custody of his eyes and tongue.^[50] Eugenio Ceria, a Salesian commentator on the autobiography of John Bosco, (Memoirs of the Oratory of Saint Francis de Sales) notes that by this time, owing to his experience as an educator, John Bosco’s ideas on several pedagogical and spiritual principles were well developed and linked and this led him to associate the fulfillment of daily duties with holiness in his advice to Savio.^[51]

The Immaculate Conception Sodality

The definition of the dogma of the Immaculate Conception of Mary had an impact on Dominic and he was anxious to create at the school a lasting reminder of this event.^[52] He now felt that he had not long to live. With the help of his friends, he started a group called the Sodality of Mary Immaculate, the main aim of which was to be to obtain the special protection of Mary during life and at the time of death. The means Dominic proposed to this end were: (1) to honour, and to bring others to honour, Mary by different means, and (2) to encourage frequent Communion.^[53] On June 8, he and his friends read out together before the altar of Mary at the Oratory, the set of rules they had drawn up. There were twenty-one articles (which were recorded by John Bosco in his biography), ending with an appeal to Mary for her assistance. These were submitted to the rector, and, after careful perusal, he gave his approval, under certain conditions.^[54] One of the members of this Sodality, Giuseppe Bongioanni,^[55] (who was later ordained a priest) was later to found the Sodality of the Blessed Sacrament, which became a traditional sodality in Catholic schools.^[56]

Preparation for a holy death

All the pupils under John Bosco observed a monthly event called The Exercise of a Happy Death; this practice continues under the name The Monthly Day of Recollection.^[57] This practice was encouraged by Pope Pius IX.^[58] Part of this was to make a Confession and Communion as though they were the last ones to be made before death. Bosco notes that Dominic observed this practice devoutly, and that one day, Dominic said that he would be the first amongst the group to die.^[59] During the month of May, before his death, the intensity of his spiritual practices increased. John Bosco notes that he said, “Let me do what I can this year; if I am here next year I’ll let you know what my plans are.”^[60]

Failing health

Dominic’s health was steadily deteriorating, but he spent most of his time with his friends, talking with them, and encouraging those who were experiencing troubles.^[61] He also helped at the school infirmary whenever his companions were admitted. On the recommendation of doctors, Dominic was sent to home to recover from his ill health, but a few days later Bosco found him back at the Oratory. In spite of his affection for Dominic, and his wish to allow Dominic to remain at the Oratory, John Bosco decided to follow the recommendation of the doctors, especially since Dominic had developed a severe cough^[62] and he wrote to Dominic’s father, fixing the date of his departure on March 1, 1857. Though Dominic said that he wanted to spend his last days at the Oratory, he accepted this decision and spent the evening before his departure at John Bosco’s side, discussing spiritual matters. (Bosco recorded a part of this conversation in his biography of Dominic).^[63] On the morning of his departure, Don Bosco notes that Dominic made the Exercise of a Happy Death with great zeal, even saying that this would be his final such devotion.^[64] He said his farewell to John Bosco, asking as a keepsake that Bosco add his name to the list of those who would participate in the Plenary Indulgence that John Bosco had received from the Pope, to which John Bosco readily agreed.^[65] He then said took leave of his friends with great affection, which surprised them, for his illness was not considered by many of his companions to be serious.^[66]

Death

In his first four days at home his appetite decreased and his cough worsened; this prompted his parents to send him to the doctor, who, at once, ordered bed rest.^[67] Inflammation was diagnosed, and as was the custom at that time, the doctor decided to perform bloodletting. The doctor cut Dominic’s arm ten times in the space of four days and it is now considered that this probably hastened his death.^[68] In his biography, John Bosco records that Dominic was calm throughout the procedure. The doctor assured his parents that the danger had passed and now it only remained for him to recuperate. Dominic, however, was sure that his death was approaching, and asked that he be allowed to make his Confession and receive Communion. Though they thought it unnecessary, his parents sent for the parish priest who heard Dominic’s confession and administered the Eucharist.^[69] After four days, in spite of the conviction of the doctor and his parents that he would get better, Dominic asked that he be given the Anointing of the Sick in preparation for death. Again, his parents agreed, to please him. On March 9, he was given the papal blessing and he said the Confiteor. Don Bosco records that throughout these days, he stayed serene and calm.^[70] On the evening of March 9, 1857, after being visited by his parish priest, he asked his father to read him the prayers for the Exercise of a Happy Death from his book of devotions. Then he slept a while, and shortly awakened and said in a clear voice,

“Goodbye, Dad, goodbye . . . what was it the parish priest suggested to me … I don’t seem to remember . . . Oh, what wonderful things I see …”.^[71]

With these words, Dominic died, though, at first, it appeared to his father that he was asleep.^[72] Dominic’s father wrote in a letter to John Bosco, conveying the news of the death of his son,

“With my heart full of grief I send you this sad news. Dominic, my dear son and your child in God, like a white lily, like Aloysius Gonzaga, gave his soul to God on March 9th after having received with the greatest devotion the Last Sacraments and the Papal Blessing”.^[73]

Notable incidents in the life of Dominic Savio

In order to give the reader a well rounded picture of Dominic’s personality Don Bosco recorded several incidents from Dominic’s life in his biography.^[74]

Before he joined the Oratory

At the school at Mondonio

John Bosco records this from the testimony of Fr Giuseppe Cugliero.^[75] One day, in the absence of his teacher, two of Dominic’s classmates stuffed the room-heating iron stove with snow and rubbish as a prank. Fearing expulsion, they blamed Dominic. Fr. Cugliero soundly berated Dominic in front of the class and Dominic bore this silently.^[76] The following day, the true culprits were discovered. On being asked why he had remained silent, Dominic replied that he had thought that he would be let off with a scolding whereas the other boys might have been expelled. Dominic added that Jesus had remained silent when blamed unjustly and that he was trying to imitate him.^[68] Mary Reed Newland, in her book, suggests that, since Dominic was yet to meet John Bosco, this incident is indicative of the upbringing his parents had given him.^[77]

First meeting with Don Bosco

The first time John Bosco met Dominic, to test his intelligence, he gave him a copy of The Catholic Readings (pamphlets on the subject of Catholic Apologetics)^[78]), asking him to recite a particular page by heart and explain its meaning the next day, and then spoke for a while with Dominic’s father. Ten minutes later, he found Dominic was beside him reciting the page and explaining its meaning satisfactorily.^[79]

At the Oratory

Dominic’s spiritual growth progressed under the guidance of Don Bosco. Clifford Stevens says in his biography of Savio,^[80]

“In other circumstances, Dominic might have become a little self-righteous snob, but Don Bosco showed him the heroism of the ordinary and the sanctity of common sense.”

Resolves a conflict

At the Oratory, two of his friends had a disagreement and decided to fight each other by throwing stones. They being older and stronger than Dominic (his hard work and intelligence had caused him to be promoted from the first form to the second form^[81]), physical intervention was not possible. He tried to reason with them but with no positive result. Thus, on the day of the fight, he went with them to the site where the fight was to take place, and just before they could start, he placed himself between them, and holding up his crucifix, requested that they throw their first stones at him. Ashamed, the two boys gave up their fight. Dominic then persuaded them to go to Confession.^[82]

Control of the eyes

John Bosco records that once a boy who was visiting had brought with him a “magazine with bad pictures”,^[83] and a group of fascinated boys were looking. On finding out, Dominic snatched the magazine and tore it up, saying,

“….You know well enough that one look is enough to stain your souls, and yet you go feasting your eyes on this. I know it is fascinating but your soul will feast one day on a much more satisfying feast.”

Influence over his friends

John Bosco records that Dominic spent a lot of time with his friends, encouraging them in their devotions, discouraging those with a habit of swearing,^[85] and teaching Catechism at Sunday School.^[86] Bosco also records that he would encourage his friends to make frequent use of the sacrament of confession and take Communion regularly, even giving them encouragement and advice in spiritual practices during games.^[87] John Bosco makes particular mention of two of Dominic’s friends, Camillo Gavio of Tortona,^[88] and John Massaglia of Marmorito.^[89] (these two friends were dead by the time John Bosco wrote the biography, as he thought it best not to write about the friends of Dominic who were still alive.)

Devotions practised by Dominic

Don Bosco narrates that before he came to the Oratory, Dominic made his Confession and took Communion once a month.^[90] After hearing a homily on the Sacraments, he chose a priest as his regular Confessor, (to whom Dominic made his Confessions till the end of his stay at the Oratory^[91] ) The regularity with which Dominic approached the sacraments increased and, at the end of that year, as per the advice of his confessor, Dominic was taking Communion daily.^[92] He had a special intention for the Eucharist each day of the week. John Bosco notes that, whenever permitted, Dominic eagerly accompanied the priest when he took the Viaticum, and that he also kept the habit of kneeling down in the street if he encountered the Eucharist being carried by a priest, as was the custom in Catholic countries.^[93]

[edit] Incidents with special spiritual significance

[edit] “Distractions”

John Bosco records that Dominic occasionally had intense experiences during prayer, which Dominic described as such:

“It is silly of me; I get a distraction and lose the thread of my prayers and then I see such wonderful things that the hours pass by like minutes”.^[94]

On one occasion, he was missing from breakfast and the rector finally found him in the chapel, standing motionless and gazing at the tabernacle. He was not aware that the morning Mass had ended.^[95] On another occasion, John Bosco records that he saw Dominic in the chapel, speaking to God, and then waiting, as though listening to a reply.^[96]

Special knowledge

John Bosco narrates how Dominic came to his room one day and urged him to accompany him. He led Bosco through many streets to a block of flats, rang the doorbell, and at once, went away. When the door opened, John Bosco found that within, there was a dying man who was desperately asking for a priest to make his last confession.^[97] Later, John Bosco asked Dominic how he had known about that man. However, since the question made Dominic uncomfortable, John Bosco did not press the matter.^[98]

The vision of England

John Bosco records that Dominic once recounted to him a vision he had:^[99]

“… . One morning as I was making my thanksgiving after Communion, a very strong distraction took hold of me. I thought I saw a great plain full of people enveloped in thick fog. They were walking about like people who had lost their way and did not know which way to turn. Someone near me said: ‘This is England‘. I was just going to ask some questions, when I saw Pope Pius IX just like I have seen him in pictures. He was robed magnificently and carried in his hand a torch alive with flames. As he walked slowly towards that immense gathering of people, the leaping flames from the torch dispelled the fog, and the people stood in the splendour of the noonday sun. ‘That torch’, said the one beside me, ‘is the Catholic Faith, which is going to light up England’”.

At his last farewell, Dominic requested John Bosco to tell the pope of his vision, which he did in 1858. The pope felt that this confirmed the plans he had already made concerning England.^[100]

His mother’s pregnancy

On September 12, 1856, Dominic asked John Bosco permission to go home, saying that his mother was ill, though he had received no communication. Dominic’s mother was then expecting a baby and was in great pain,^[101] and when Dominic reached the house, he hugged and kissed his mother, and then left. His mother felt her pain leave her and Dominic’s baby sister, Catherine was born.^[102] The women assisting at the birth found that Dominic had left a green scapular around his mother’s neck. His sister Theresa later wore this same scapular when she was in labour. She testified that it had been passed around to several other pregnant women and was later lost.^[103]

Charles Savio’s vision of Dominic after his death

The veneration of Dominic Savio grew with an event narrated by his father:^[104]

“I was in the greatest affliction at the loss of my son, and was consumed by a desire to know what was his position in the other world. God deigned to comfort me. About a month after his death, during a very restless night, I saw, as it were, the ceiling opened, and Dominic appeared in the midst of dazzling light. I was beside myself at this sight, and cried out: “O Dominic, my son, are you already in Paradise?” “Yes,” he replied, “I am in Heaven.” Then pray for your brothers and sisters, and your mother and father, that we may all come to join you one day in Heaven.” “Yes, yes, I will pray,” was the answer. “Then he disappeared, and the room became as before.”

The Life of Dominic Savio

Soon after the death of Dominic, John Bosco wrote his biography, The Life of Dominic Savio, which contributed to his canonisation.^[105] The original Italian edition was considered so well written during the time of Don Bosco, that, along with his History of Italy and Ecclesiastical History, it was used in many public schools as part of the course materials on the Italian Language.^[106] Among the other writings of John Bosco^[107] are the Biography of Fr Joseph Cafasso^[108] The Life of Francis Besucco, and The Life of Michael Magone.^[109]

Sainthood

Though some were of an opinion that Dominic was too young to be canonised, Pope Pius X insisted that this was not so, and started the process of his canonisation.^[110] Dominic Savio was declared Venerable in 1933 by Pope Pius XI, was beatified in 1950 by Pope Pius XII, and declared a saint in 1954.^[5] Pope Pius XI described him as “small in size, but a towering giant in spirit.”^[111]

Memorials

In the saint’s honor, there is a senior high school, Dominic Savio High School, in Austin, Texas, a middle school in Niagara Falls, New York, and in East Boston, Massachusetts, a college preparatory school, Savio Preparatory School (formerly St. Dominic Savio High School) which closed at the conclusion of the 2008 academic year.

source : http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dominic_Savio

Ignatius de Loyola 31 Juli 2009 30 Juli 2009

Posted by ignatiusedy in Bible Inspiration.
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Santo Ignatius Loyola (24 Desember 1491– 31 Juli 1556), nama baptis Íñigo López de Loyola, adalah pendiri Serikat Yesus, sebuah ordo Gereja Katolik Roma yang biasanya dikenal dengan Yesuit yang dibentuk untuk memperkuat Gereja, awalnya menentang Protestanisme.

Awal hidup

Ignatius dilahirkan di istana Loyola, dekat Azpeitia, 16 mil baratdaya San Sebastián di Provinsi Basque dari Guipúzcoa, Spanyol. Anak termuda dari 13 bersaudara dari Don Beltran de Onazy Loyola dan Maria Sanchez de Licona ini diberi nama Inigo Lopez de Loyola. Ignatius berumur tujuh tahun ketika ibunya meninggal.

Pada 1506, Ignatius menjadi calon ksatria yang melayani saudaranya, Juan Velázquez de Cuéllar, bendahara utama (contador mayor) dari kerajaan Castilia.

Pada 1517, Ignatius masuk dalam dinas ketentaraan. Ia terluka parah dalam Pertempuran Pamplona (20 Mei 1521) dan menghabiskan beberapa bulan untuk memulihkan kesehatannya di istana ayahnya.

Aspirasi keagamaan

Selama periode penyembuhan dia membaca beberapa bacaan keagamaan tentang hidup Yesus dan santo-santa. Dia berkobar dengan ambisi untuk menjalani hidup dengan penyangkalan diri yang keras dan meniru perbuatan-perbuatan heroik dari Fransiskus Assisi dan pemimpin monastik besar lainnya. Dia bertekad untuk mengabdikan dirinya demi pekabaran Injil di Tanah Suci.

Setelah sembuh dia mengunjungi biara Dominikan di Montserrat (25 Maret 1522), di mana ia menggantung perlengkapan militernya di depan gambar Maria Ibu Yesus. Dia kemudian memasuki biara Manresa, Catalonia di mana dia menjalankan asketisisme yang berat.

Niatnya yang sungguh untuk mengabdi Tuhan dan sesama ditunjukkan dengan meletakkan pedangnya di bawah kaki altar kapel biara itu, pada tanggal 24 Maret malam hari.

Keesokan harinya setelah merayakan Ekaristi dan menerima Komuni Kudus, Ignasius pergi ke sebuah gua dekat Manresa. Di gua ini ia mengalami suasana tenang dan damai yang menyenangkan. Meditasi dan doa-doanya selama berada di gua ini mengaruniakan kepadanya suatu pemahaman yang baru tentang kehidupan rohani.

Dari Manresa, Ignasius bermaksud berziarah ke Tanah Suci untuk mentobatkan orang-orang yang belum mengakui Kristus. Tetapi niat ini dibatalkan karena kondisi negeri Palestina yang tidak memungkinkan. Sebagai gantinya, ia kembali ke Barcelona, Spanyol.

Konon ia mendapatkan sejumlah penglihatan. Bunda Maria menjadi obyek devosinya sebagai seorang ksatria. Citra kemiliteran memainkan peranan penting dalam renungan kerohaniannya.

Pada masa ini dia menulis Ejercicios espiritualesnya (Latihan Rohani), yang menjelaskan seri meditasi untuk dijalankan oleh para Yesuit di masa depan. Ini dilakukan untuk mendapatkan pengaruh kuat untuk mengganti metode propaganda di Gereja; “penggilingan yang ke dalamnya semua Yesuit dimasukkan menghasilkan orang-orang dengan watak dan bakat yang berbeda-beda, tetapi capnya tidak terhapuskan” (Cretineau-Joly).

Ignatius ditangkap dua kali karena dituduh telah mengajarkan jalan-jalan Allah tanpa pendidikan yang semestinya. Kedua penangkapan itu terjadi pada masa Inkuisisi Spanyol.

Belajar di Paris

Pada tahun 1524, Ignatius semakin yakin bahwa tugas pelayanan bagi Tuhan dan sesama perlu didukung oleh pendidikan yang memadai. Karena itu, selama 10 tahun ia berjuang memperkaya dirinya dengan berbagai ilmu pengetahuan. Ia belajar di Alcala de Henares (1526-1527), Salamanca (1527-1528) dan Paris (1528-1535) hingga memperoleh gelar sarjana pada tanggal 14 Maret 1535.

Pada 1528 dia memasuki Universite de Paris di mana dia tinggal selama tujuh tahun, memperpanjang pendidikan sastra dan teologinya dan mengganggu murid lainnya dengan mencoba menarik mereka dalam Latihan Rohani.

Kadang-kadang ia memberikan pelajaran agama serta bimbingan rohani kepada orang-orang yang datang kepadanya. Tetapi kegiatannya itu menimbulkan kecurigaan para pejabat Gereja. Sebab, tidaklah lazim seorang awam mengajar agama dan spiritualitas.

Pada 1534 dia telah memiliki enam pengikut – Pierre Favre, Franciscus Xaverius, Alfonso Salmeron, Diego Lainez, dan Nicolas Bobadilla (orang Spanyol), dan Simon Rodriguez (orang Portugis).

Pendirian Serikat Yesus

Pada 15 Agustus 1534 dia dan enam orang tersebut mendirikan Serikat Yesus di Gereja Santa Maria, Montmartre – “untuk memasuki pelayanan dan misi di Yerusalem, atau pergi tanpa bertanya ke mana pun paus anjurkan”.

Mereka mengikrarkan ketiga kaul hidup membiara: kemurnian, ketaatan dan kemiskinan, mereka pun mengikrarkan kaul tambahan, yakni kesediaan menjalankan karya misioner di Tanah Suci di antara orang-orang Islam.

Pada 1537 mereka pergi ke Italia untuk mencari persetujuan paus untuk ordo mereka. Paus Paulus III memberikan mereka sebuah persetujuan, dan mengizinkan mereka ditahbiskan menjadi imam. Mereka ditahbiskan di Venezia oleh Uskup Arbe pada 24 Juni.

Karena misi ke Palestina tak mungkin diwujudkan akibat perang waktu itu, maka kaul tambahan ‘kesediaan menjalankan karya misi di Tanah Suci’ diganti dengan ‘pengabdian khusus kepada Sri Paus’. Mereka mengabdikan diri mereka untuk berkhotbah dan mengerjakan kerja amal di Italia, perang yang baru terjadi antara kaisar, Venezia, Paus dan Kerajaan Ottoman membuat mereka tidak mungkin melakukan perjalanan ke Yerusalem.

Bersama Favre dan Lainez, Ignatius mengadakan perjalanan ke Roma pada Oktober 1538 untuk meminta persetujuan Paus terhadap Konstitusi mereka. Sebuah dewan Kardinal melaporkan secara positif terhadap Konstitusi mereka, dan Paus Paulus III meresmikan ordo mereka melalui Bulla kepausan Regimini militantis ecclesiae (27 September 1540 tetapi membatasi jumlah anggota mereka paling banyak enampuluh. Batasan ini dihapuskan melalui bula Iniunctum nobis (14 Maret 1543).

Pada 27 September inilah Paus Paulus III merestui keberadaan kelompok Ignatius, yang kemudian dikokohkan menjadi sebuah serikat rohaniwan dengan nama Serikat Yesus. Ignatius sendiri diangkat sebagai pemimpin umum pertama di Basilika Santo Paulus.

Pemimpin Umum kaum Yesuit

Ignatius dipilih sebagai Pemimpin Umum pertama Serikat Yesus. Ia mengutus teman-temannya sebagai misionaris ke seluruh Eropa untuk mendirikan sekolah, kolese, dan seminari.

Pada 1548 Latihan Rohani akhirnya dicetak, dan Ignatius pun dihadapkan kepada Inkuisisi Roma, namun ia dilepaskan.

Ignatius menulis Konstitusi Yesuit, yang diterima pada 1554. Konstitusi ini menciptakan sebuah organisasi dengan pimpinan tunggal dan menekankan penyangkalan diri serta ketaatan kepada Paus dan para pemimpinnya secara mutlak (perinde ac cadaver, “[berdisiplin tinggi] bagaikan mayat” demikian dikatakan Ignatius). Prinsipnya yang utama menjadi motto Yesuit: ad maiorem Dei gloriam (“demi lebih besarnya kemuliaan Allah”).

Yesuit menjadi faktor utama dalam keberhasilan Reformasi Katolik.

Pada 1553-1555 Ignatius mendiktekan riwayat hidupnya kepada Pater Gonçalves da Câmara. Otobiografinya ini merupakan kunci yang berharga untuk memahami Latihan-latihan Rohani-nya. Tetapi laporan ini hanya disimpan di dalam arsip hingga sekitar 150 tahun kemudian ketika kaum Bollandis menerbitkan naskahnya dalam Acta Sanctorum. Sementara itu ada pula sebuah edisi kritis dalam Vol. I (1943) dari Fontes Narrativi dari seri Monumenta Historica Socieatatis Iesu (Catatan Historis Serikat Yesus).

Ad Maiorem Dei Gloriam

Selama 15 tahun (1541-1556) memimpin Serikat Yesus, Ignasius memusatkan perhatiannya pada pembinaan semangat religius ordonya. Semboyannya – yang kemudian menjadi semboyan umum Serikat Yesus – dalam melaksanakan tugasnya ialah “Ad Maiorem Dei Gloriam“.

Ia mendirikan banyak kolese antara lain Kolese Roma (yang kemudian menjadi Universitas Kepausan Gregoriana) dan Kolese Jerman yang khusus untuk mendidik para calon imam untuk karya kerasulan di wilayah-wilayah Katolik yang sudah dipengaruhi oleh Reformasi Protestan. Selama kepemimpinannya, Ignasius melibatkan imam-imamnya dalam usaha membendung arus pengaruh Protestanisme di Eropa Utara dan dalam Pewartaan Sabda kepada semua orang Katolik tanpa memandang kelas sosialnya. Ia mengutus Fransiskus Xaverius, sahabat akrabnya, ke benua Asia (yang kemudian sempat singgah di Ambon) untuk membuka lahan baru bagi karya misioner Gereja.

Ignasius dikenal sebagai seorang rohaniwan yang ramah kepada sesamanya. Kasih sayangnya yang besar kepada orang-orang sakit dan lemah, anak-anak dan pendidikannya, terutama orang-orang berdosa banyak kali membuatnya menangis karena memikirkan kemalangan mereka. Karena itu ia menggugah hati imam-imamnya agar dengan tulus berkarya di tengah-tengah semua lapisan masyarakat demi menyelamatkan mereka. Ordo Yesuit yang didirikannya dipoles menjadi sebuah ordo religius yang bebas dari keketatan aturan hidup monastik lama yang kaku. Sebagai reaksi terhadap kekejaman Gereja Abad Pertengahan, yang melahirkan Reformasi Protestan, Ignasius menuntut ketaatan mutlak kepada Takhta Suci dan prinsip prinsip Katolik. Retret yang teratur diupayakannya sebagai suatu sarana ampuh bagi kedalaman spiritualitas orang-orang Kristen.

Akhir hidup

Sebelum wafatnya pada tanggal 31 Juli 1556, Ignasius menyaksikan keberhasilan Ordonya dalam mengabdi Tuhan dan GerejaNya. Propinsi serikatnya pada masa itu telah berjumlah 12 dengan 1000 orang imam dan kira-kira 100 buah biara dan kolese. Ignatius meninggal di Roma.

Ignasius dinyatakan sebagai beato oleh Paus Paulus V pada tanggal 3 Desember 1609 dan kemudian oleh Paus Gregorius XV ia dinyatakan sebagai santo pada tanggal 12 Maret 1622. Ignasius diangkat sebagai pelindung semua kegiatan rohani oleh Paus Pius XI pada tahun 1922.

Hari pesta orang kudus-nya adalah 31 Juli. Ignatius adalah santo pelindung untuk Guipuzcoa dan Biscay.

Sebuah daerah di kota Bilbao dan sebuah stasiun di situ Metro Bilbao San Inazio dinamai sesuai dengan nama Ignatius.

Pemeranan

St Ignatius adalah tokoh utama opera Four Saints in Three Acts oleh komponis Virgil Thomson dan penulis syair opera Gertrude Stein.

source : http://id.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ignatius_Loyola

TRANSFORMATION IN GOD’S TIME 30 Juli 2009

Posted by ignatiusedy in Bible Inspiration.
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Thursday, July 30, 2009

1 Peter 5:6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.

Every follower of Jesus is commanded to dismiss pride and embrace humility. In this chapter alone (cf 1 Peter 5:1-5), Peter has given five reasons: Jesus was humble; we are saved to serve; God opposes proud people; God give grace to humble people; Jesus is bringing His reward to humble people. In today’s verse, Peter stresses that true humility does not come by an externally applied, enforced submission; it has to be a voluntary personal choice which leads to willing lifestyle changes in line with God’s Word.

The command, ‘humble yourself’, demands immediate, proactive decisions; a change of personal attitude and a glad acceptance of the role of a servant of Jesus Christ. Although humility has many applications, the key to this verse is ‘under God’s mighty hand’. However many people want us to serve them, our first responsibility must be to accept God’s authority over us. When we do so, every other demand can be evaluated by the priorities which His Word reveals: and that is the only sensible way to get life in perspective. But also, it is only God who can lift us up; giving us the honour which He has chosen for us.

But when will that happen? In God’s time! We have our human ideas of service and reward (and business management manuals are full of them); but only God knows how and when to reward His faithful servants. He knows the right interval between sacrifice and recognition; the cross and the crown. He fully understands that giving great rewards too early, may make us proud, and eager to accept the glory which should go to Him. On the other hand He is not unrighteous to forget your labour of love (cf Heb 6:10). So, true believers go forward, trusting God’s promise: that He will honour those who humble themselves under His authority, confident that He knows just the right time to use His hand of power for our blessing.

Prayer: Almighty God. You know all things! Thank You for understanding the way I think and feel, and everything that will motivate me to serve You. Help me to choose to humble myself, and to accept the path You have set for me; trusting that you will not desert or disappoint me. Help me to keep trusting even when You do not lift me up; knowing that You will bring Your honour and blessing when the right time comes. For Your glory’s sake, Amen.

“Word@Work (BeaconLight)” <wordatwork@beaconlight.co.uk>

The Spiritual Chain of Humility 29 Juli 2009

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1 Peter 5:5 Young men, in the same way be submissive to those who are older. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility towards one another, because, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”

In the same way that church leaders must accept the authority of the Lord Jesus (cf 1 Peter 5:2-4), younger men should submit to the leaders. Young and energetic men often feel an urge to steal power from their elders: but that is a fleshly impulse, encouraged by the Evil One. Those who are truly spiritual will want to accept the authority that God has placed over them.

The same applies to everybody in the church; there is no virtue in proud assertions or self-seeking. Those who claim to serve the Servant King should want to serve others in the fellowship; to lift them up and to seek their good. Peter saw the trail of pride over the early churches, threatening to destroy the immature fellowships; and alas it is too common a sight today also. The way of the world is to crush the weak. But the way of the cross is to raise the weak by self-sacrificial service.

The principle extends beyond the church to every area of life: God opposes the proud, wherever! It is true in the workshop and the ship; the hair salon and the airport. God’s opposition to arrogance does not stop at the church door. His anger is roused by pride on the building site and in the board room, as well as the home and the hospital. But, by contrast, He pours out His grace on all who humbly accept the authority He has placed over them. Test Him out: change your attitude to authority and see how much blessing and grace He will shower upon you.

Prayer: Almighty God. Forgive me for my vain self-assertion, and every action that is motivated by pride. Help me to see how offensive this is to You. May I reconsider my attitude at work and home, as well as in the church, so that You will be glorified and that I can be blessed as you pour out Your grace into my life. For Jesus Christ’s sake. Amen.

“Word@Work (BeaconLight)” <wordatwork@beaconlight.co.uk>