Jul 14 – Memorial for St. Camillus de Lellis, Priest
St. Camillus (1550-1614) used to be a gambling addict. He lost so much he had to take a job working construction on a building belonging to the Capuchins; they converted him. Because of a persistent injury, he moved into San Giacomo Hospital for the incurable, and eventually became its administrator.
Lacking education, he began to study with children when he was 32 years old. St. Camillus founded the Congregation of the Servants of the Sick (the Camellians) who care for the sick both in hospital and home. He honoured the sick as living images of Christ, and hoped that the service he gave them did penance for his wayward youth.
- Patron Saint Index
Gen 46:1-7,28-30
Mt 10:16-23
“…I am sending you out like sheep among wolves…”
Ever imagined yourself as a sheep and there were hungry wolves staring and grinning at you? That can really be scary. Jesus already foretold to the apostles that they would be facing a very challenging life. But even so, they had to overcome those challenges. They were instructed to be “cunning as serpents and yet as harmless as doves”. It is like being smart, yet staying humble.
Christ assured them about not having to worry about any hardship that they were going to face. “Whatever they are to say will be given to them when the time comes; because it is not them who will be speaking; the Spirit of the Father will be speaking in them.” The grace to know what they had to do would be granted to them in due time.
Jesus laid down all kinds of things that they will encounter. Their responses to those situations matter. “The man who stands firm to the end will be saved.” Can we also stand firm? Following Christ is a fulfilling, yet uneasy task. It cannot just be like, “Voila! I followed Jesus!” It takes work, dedication, and grace from God. It is through Jesus Christ that we can stand firm to give glory to God. It is very easy to say, “Jesus, I love you. Everything I do, all for You!” But are we actually doing something for Jesus? Do we admit that we are Catholics when other people ask? Do we stick with our Catholic faith, even if other religions ridicule us? Are we able to explain that we are not worshipping idols? Defending our faith is not our work alone. The grace of God is poured upon us, for us to stand up and defend our faith.
Most of the time, we worry about our own personal concerns. We think about our current hardships, our own fears and worries. Sometimes, we may feel that we are about to give up and surrender to what we believe in. Brothers and sisters, as long as we put Christ in the midst of what we do, we will have the strength to surpass everything. Easier said and done. But nothing beats the power of prayer, faith, and the grace of God.
(Today’s OXYGEN by Beryl Baterina)
Prayer: Father God, I will continue, O my God, to do all my actions for the love of you.
Thanksgiving: Ever dearest God, we thank you for giving us endurance to surpass all the trials that we face.
OXYGEN 
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