21 Apr – Memorial for St. Anselm, bishop & doctor
St. Anselm (1033-1109) was born of Italian nobility. After a childhood devoted to piety and study, he wanted to enter religious life, but his father prevented it, and Anselm became rather worldly for several years. Upon his mother’s death, Anselm argued with his father, fled to France, and became a Benedictine monk at Bec, Normandy. He studied under, and succeeded Lanfranc as abbot, before later becoming Archbishop of Canterbury.
Anselm was a theological writer and counsellor to Pope Gregory VII, Pope Urban II, and William the Conqueror. He opposed slavery and obtained English legislation prohibiting the sale of men. He fought King William Rufus’ encroachment on ecclesiastical rights and the independences of the Church, and was exiled. He resolved theological doubts of the Italo-Greek bishops at the Council of Bari in 1098. He strongly supported celibate clergy. King Henry I invited him to return to England, but they disputed over investitures, and Anselm was again exiled in 1106.
He was one of the great philosophers and theologians of the Middle Ages, and was proclaimed Doctor of the Church in 1720 by Pope Clement XI.
No one will have any other desire in heaven than what God wills; and the desire of one will be the desire of all; and the desire of all and of each one will also be the desire of God.” – St. Anselm, Opera Omnis, Letter 112
- Patron Saint Index
Acts 7:51-8:1
Jn 6:30-35
You stubborn people, with your pagan hearts and pagan ears. You are always resisting the Holy Spirit, just as your ancestors use to do.
The difference between good and evil is read in both the first reading and the gospel today. One forgives while the other accuses and excuses.
It is so easy to excuse away our stiff-neckedness, isn’t it? Excuse away why our heart doesn’t need to invite love, or forgive. Excuse away why our ears don’t need to hear, or why it is okay for our hearing to be shallow.
Let’s face it, it isn’t easy being a follower of Christ. Not simply our feet following Him, but our hearts, too, is difficult – actually, it is humanly impossible, not simply difficult. After all, if our hearts are to follow Jesus, we must lay down flags that we carry (that we even enjoy carrying because they let others know how smart, successful, beautiful, powerful, popular, talented, even loved, we are) – big flags of pride, envy, anger, sloth, greed, lust and gluttony. And also, smaller flags of self under each of those big deadly sins, hundreds of flags. And we do carry them.
To follow Christ, we must be willing to lay down our flags and say out loud that we don’t know everything, that we aren’t better than anyone, that we know we are not as good as we hope others think we are, that we are not as confident as we act, that we are not as powerful as we pretend, that we are not as strong as we display, that we are not as…just fill in the blank. To follow Christ, we must be willing to sacrifice words we want to say, and actions we want to take, that will explain/excuse our feelings and/or prove that we are powerful, that we are right that give pleasure/satisfaction to our mind and/or flesh.
To follow Christ, we must pick up the cross of love, mercy and forgiveness and put down the countless flags of self.
It isn’t easy being a follower of Christ 24/7; in fact, it is impossible to truly follow Christ 24/7 if we don’t put down our flags and pick up His cross. Our flags, especially the smaller ones that we carry 24/7 are become heavier every day, heavier than we could ever imagine; in contrast, His cross becomes lighter when we allow Him to carry it with us. He never wants us to carry it without His help…24/7. The cross, we carry for Christ; the flags, well we carry them for ourselves – to the amusement of the enemy.
What flags are you carrying daily that you pick up like a necessary piece of clothing – or like your phone? What flags are so small that you put them in your pocket or purse and even forget that you are carrying them – until you need them? What are the common circumstances when you aren’t merciful, aren’t forgiving, aren’t kind, aren’t loving, aren’t intentional? Times when you are angry at other drivers or the waiter or checkout person? Times when you are resentful with your family or boss or coworkers? Times when you hold back charity or are out and out greedy? Times when you say ‘no’ because you simply don’t feel like being interrupted or inconvenienced. Times when you make it all about you? Times when……
Flags may feel lighter to pick up and carry compared to a cross, but again the enemy is in the business of tricking us. And he has had a great deal of practice on, not just mankind, but you (and me) personally. He knows our weaknesses – all of them.
Flags are put in front of us by the enemy, the accuser, and if we carry them, especially if we carry them too long, they will lead us to him and his eternal home. The eternity void of love, of goodness, of joy, of light. But carrying our crosses will lead us to love, goodness, joy, light — to heaven and the eternal home of The Trinity and all the Angels and Saints.
(Today’s OXYGEN by Gina Ulicny)
Prayer: Father God, sometimes I don’t want to carry the cross you have given me. Sometimes, I am even angry that you have placed it on my shoulders; but Lord, I know that it is Christ carrying it with me (for me) and that it is for mine and the world’s greater good.
Thanksgiving: Father God, thank you for the cross that you have given me and for carrying it with me, and for allowing me to simply walk beside you as You carry my cross. Your love overwhelms me.
OXYGEN 
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