24 Jan – Memorial for St. Francis de Sales, bishop and doctor of the Church
St. Francis de Sales (1567-1622) was born in a castle to a well-placed family. His parents intended him to become a lawyer, enter politics, and carry on the family line and power. He studied at La Roche, Annecy, Clermont College in Paris, and law at the University of Padua. He became a Doctor of Law, returned home, and found a position as Senate advocate.
It was at this point that he received a message telling him to “Leave all and follow Me”. He took this as a call to the priesthood, a move his family fiercely opposed. However, he pursued a devoted prayer life, and his gentle ways won over the family.
He became a priest, and a provost in the diocese of Geneva, Switzerland, a stronghold of Calvinists. He was a preacher, writer and spiritual director in the district of Chablais. His simple, clear explanations of Catholic doctrine, and his gentle way with everyone, brought many back to the Roman Church.
He was ordained Bishop of Geneva at the age of 35. He travelled and evangelized throughout the Duchy of Savoy, working with children whenever he could. He was a friend of St. Vincent de Paul. He turned down a wealthy French bishopric. He helped found the Order of the Visitation with St. Jeanne de Chantal. He was a prolific correspondent. He was declared a Doctor of the Church.
- Patron Saint Index
Heb 10:1-10
Mk 3:31-35
Sitting in a circle about him
When you are in the hospitality industry, particularly one who works in the kitchen, you often get requests from people around you to hold a party at home. It is always a pleasure to host a party with the guests sitting around as you enjoy the company of people that come to share a meal. The challenge, somehow, is to invite people whom you are close with, or even knowing some of the friends whom you have known to be be quiet and alone most times.
In today’s Gospel, if we are to take the bible story literally, Jesus seems to be a rather rude person, ignoring the arrival of his own birth mother, Mary and his brothers. Of course, this is not the sentiment. He is in the presence of those around Him. Jesus has made himself available to everyone, to every individual who is invited and willing to eat at the same table as Him. Surely, Mother Mary will not be disappointed about this because she understands Jesus’ ministry here on Earth. Jesus is all about being inclusive, not exclusive, when it comes to being with God. God does not discriminate and definitely does not alienate.
This brings us to challenge the way we show our presence for those who actually are in need of Christ’s presence. Yes, so often we talk and laugh with our fellow buddies and close friends, but have we talked about inviting the socially awkward whom we laugh about? Sometimes, even if I would like to, the other friends of mine will shun the idea of having the other person over.
(Today’s OXYGEN by Austin Leong)
Prayer: Dear Lord, help us to make those around us more inclusive and reach out to people who have depression.
Thanksgiving: I thank you Lord, for family, for friends, for all the wonderful relationships around me.
OXYGEN 
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