Nov 10 – Memorial for St. Leo the Great, pope, doctor
St. Leo (c.400 – 461) was born of Italian nobility. He was a strong student, especially in scripture and theology. As a priest, he was an eloquent writer and homilist.
He was pope from 440-461 during the time of the invasion of Attila the Hun. When Attila marched on Rome, Leo went out to meet him and pleaded for leave. As Leo spoke, Attila saw the vision of a man in priestly robes, carrying a bare sword, and threatening to kill the invader if he did not obey Pope Leo. As Leo had a great devotion to St. Peter, it is generally believed that the first pope was the visionary opponent to the Huns. When Genseric invaded Rome, Leo’s sanctity and eloquence saved the city again.
Pope Leo called the Council of Chalcedon to condemn the heresies of the day, which were Nestorianism (Christ as a human person joined to the divine person of God’s Son), Monophysitism (Christ’s human nature ceases to exist when the divine person of God’s Son assumed it), Manichaeism (Gnostic system resting on a dualistic concept of the world’s structure), and Pelaianism (no supernatural grace is needed for one to choose good).
He built churches and wrote letters and sermons encouraging and teaching the flock, many of which survive today. It is for these writings that Leo was proclaimed a Doctor of the Church in 1574.
“Virtue is nothing without the trial of temptation, for there is no conflict without an enemy, no victory without strife.” – Pope St. Leo the Great
- Patron Saint Index
Rm 15:14-21
Lk 16:1-8
…what am I to do?
This question plagued me for months early this year, as I approached a time in my career where I am beginning to be ‘managed’ and ‘removed from the field of vision’ of senior management. Thankfully, a plan I had conceived last year finally bore fruit in June – someone who I felt was a suitable ‘successor’ agreed to join us. Today, I am preparing/guiding her to take over my role in the organization (sooner rather than later).
Of course, those under my charge (over the years, the number has grown to 20) are probably asking themselves the same question. And while not all are Christian, I believe that it is my duty and responsibility to prepare them for the road ahead, which will come with significant changes. I had been ‘hinting’ at this leadership change since the start of the year. But until my new colleague joined us just over a month ago, the reality had probably never hit. Now, as it starts to sink in, I have been asked to share my thoughts with the division in order for them to be more prepared and to steel themselves for the challenges ahead.
Brothers and sisters, many of us are facing challenges on multiple fronts. And if you ask anyone, their issues would always, inevitably, trump our own. One helpful perspective to adopt would be to ask ourselves, “What would Christ want of us?” Because for whatever we face, Christ himself faced as well.
I believe that whatever we choose to do in whatever situations we face, we must harbour love in our hearts. Love for whoever is making demands of us, love for whoever we lead at work, love for whoever we care for at home, or in ministry. But all this is easier said than done, because we are human and for us, self-preservation comes first. We are taught to care for ourselves before we try and care for others. What, then, are we to do? Especially for those of us who have to make tough decisions each day, which have an impact on the lives of others?
I am convinced that we cannot be effective stewards without first believing in the power of prayer. Some of us have our daily rituals – before retiring for bed, upon awakening each new day, in front of our family altar each day (or each Friday), within the confines of our car/office/private spaces. It is amazing what one ‘Our Father’ and three ‘Hail Marys’ can do to uplift someone. And, of course, the rosary – the sword which drives away Satan and his minions. I often wonder if Mother Mary asked herself the same question when the divine responsibility was thrust upon her to bear the Son of God. “Why me?” or “How am I going to do this?” or “What am I to do in this situation?” All familiar refrains we have uttered in our lives/careers.
I ask for your prayers as I continue to navigate towards the light I clearly discern on my coming journeys. I know for sure the paths will not be smooth. But I know too that He has my back.
(Today’s OXYGEN by Desmond Soon)
Prayer: Lord, keep watching our backs and protecting us as we figure out how we are going to ride the stormy seas.
Thanksgiving: We thank you, Abba Father, for your hand in our lives. And for your presence which nourishes and comforts us in our time of need.
OXYGEN 
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