Jul 11 – Memorial for St. Benedict, abbot, religious founder
Born to Roman nobility, Benedict (c. 480–547) was the twin brother of St. Scholastica. He studied in Rome, Italy, but was dismayed at the lack of discipline and lackadasical attitude of his fellow students. He fled to the mountains near Subiaco, living as a hermit in a cave for three years. He was reported to have been fed by a raven.
The virtues that St. Benedict (480-547) demonstrated as a hermit prompted an abbey to request that he lead them. His discipline was such that an attempt was made on his life; some monks tried to poison him, but he blessed the cup and rendered it harmless. He destroyed pagan statues and altars, and drove demons from groves sacred to pagans.
At one point there were over 40,000 monasteries guided by the Benedictine Rule that he wrote, which can be summed up as “Pray and work”.
- Patron Saint Index
Gen 46:1-7,28-30
Mt 10:16-23
“Beware of men: they will hand you over to sanhedrins and scourge you in their synagogues.”
We live in a competitive world. There are scarce resources that are unevenly distributed. Many of us work to achieve financial security so that we can provide for our families and to secure a better life for the next generation.
Invariably, we will have to interact with people. And when people are tempted by financial or personal gain, they can act selfishly. Even friends and family can behave unscrupulously to advance their own interests.
As Christians, we are taught to see the best in people and to uplift them. To turn the other cheek and to forgive. We are also assured of God’s love and protection. But this does not mean that we must be gullible.
Even fellow Christians will falter and serve their personal interests at our expense. To thrive in this world, we need to be shrewd and alert at all times. So how is a Christian expected to navigate such challenges?
With a healthy prayer life and a deep relationship with God, we will be attuned to His plans for us. It will also help us to clearly see the dynamics of the relationships we have with other people. While God does not ask us to inflict punishment or judgment on others, He does empower us to protect ourselves from undesirable situations.
We must also not allow ourselves to be doormats. If a situation or relationship is not serving us, we must put ourselves in a better place where we are appreciated and can fully utilise our gifts.
Sometimes, it can be unpleasant having to deal with people. Being apprehensive about and standoffish with everyone will prevent us from building deep relationships with others. So, we can be trusting, but also attuned to when things are amiss.
Brothers and sisters, I pray that all of you will be blessed to meet many good people in your lives. And that you deal with the questionable ones in a sensible and Godly manner.
(Today’s OXYGEN by Gregory Mathew)
Prayer: We ask you Lord, to help us to be the good people that others encounter in their lives.
Thanksgiving: We are grateful for the challenges you present us. May they teach us more about ourselves, and your steadfast love.
OXYGEN 
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