From: richarra@gmail.com   
      
   Wanting No Share in Comfort  (5)   
      
      When, therefore, spiritual consolation is given by God, receive it   
   gratefully, but understand that it is His gift and not your meriting. Do not   
   exult, do not be overjoyed, do not be presumptuous, but be the humbler for the   
   gift, more careful and wary    
   in all your actions, for this hour will pass and temptation will come in its   
   wake.   
   --Thomas à Kempis --Imitation of Christ Book 2, Chapter 9   
      
   <<>><<>><<>>   
   April 14th - Saint Peter Gonzales   
    (also known as Elmo-Erasmus, Telmo)   
      
   (1190-1246)   
      
   Peter Gonzales was born in Spain to wealthy parents of the nobility.   
   His parents, wishing him to achieve a prestigious office, offered him   
   to be raised by his maternal uncle, the bishop of Astorga. While still   
   young, Peter was named canon of the cathedral. Despite his lack of   
   study, and his tendency to spend his time in idle worldly pursuits,   
   Peter was later chosen to become the head of the cathedral chapter, a   
   significant honor. Just as Saint Paul was converted on the road to   
   Damascus, Saint Peter Gonzales was similarly converted as he rode   
   toward the prestigious position he so desired.   
      
   As Peter rode his fine horse, appointed in rich garments, to the   
   cathedral, the noble animal stumbled and Peter was thrown to the muddy   
   ground. All those present were amused, laughing and mocking him, but   
   Peter was awakened by grace during that moment. Rather than accept his   
   post, he turned from his worldly desires and entered the Dominican   
   Order at Palencia. Family and friends tried to draw him back to his   
   old life and their planned pursuit of position, but he responded, "If   
   you love me, follow me! If you cannot follow me, forget me!"   
      
   Peter embraced his new calling with vigor, and as a novice   
   demonstrated exceptional generosity, charity, and service to his   
   brothers and the community. No task was too small or too menial, and   
   he approached each with profound humility and joy. Never having been   
   one for studies previously, Peter stayed up late into the nights,   
   learning and fully embodying the spirit of the Dominican Order. So   
   successful was he at his studies, he was soon sent to preach—which he   
   did with extreme effectiveness—and hear confessions. Through him, many   
   were converted to the faith. Such was his own call to penance, given   
   his previous manner of living, he could reach and touch the most   
   hardened of hearts, bringing them to Christ through his words and   
   example.   
      
   Saint Peter’s fame became widespread, but he remained humble and   
   obedient. When summoned to the royal court of King Ferdinand III,   
   Peter accepted the post of court chaplain, exerting a positive   
   influence on the behavior of the members of the court. He revitalized   
   the faith of both the court and the army, whom he persuaded to refrain   
   from pillaging Cordoba following their defeat of the Moors. Instead,   
   the army extended compassion and Christian love to the soldiers,   
   through his guidance, with many converting.   
      
   One member of the royal court soon became jealous of the influence   
   Saint Peter held through his prayers and counsel. A trap was set, with   
   a seductive courtesan approaching him, apparently to make her   
   confession. When Peter recognized her design, he went to an adjoining   
   room and wrapping himself in his cloak. Standing unharmed amidst a   
   great fire which was lit there, he called her to him. She and his   
   false friends were converted at the sight of this miracle.   
      
   After retiring from the court, as he had restored its faith and was no   
   longer needed, Saint Peter devoted the remainder of his life to   
   preaching in northwest Spain. God honored him with the gift of healing   
   and miracles, and above all gave him the grace to make the truths of   
   salvation understood by the poor and uneducated lay persons. He   
   developed a special mission to Spanish and Portuguese seamen, and is   
   considered the patron saint of sailors following his appearances to   
   mariners in danger. Saint Peter also saw to the building of a bridge   
   over a river, at a place where many had perished. He is often depicted   
   walking on the waters with a torch in hand.   
      
   He fell ill during Holy Week and died on the day of our Lord’s   
   Resurrection in 1248. He lies buried in the cathedral of Tuy. Saint   
   Peter’s life is a journey from worldly pursuits of status and glory,   
   to one of God-given humility and faith. He, like Saint Paul,   
   experienced a profound conversion on the road. During this Lenten   
   season, where will we find our call to conversion?   
      
      
   Saint Quote:   
   Cheerfulness strengthens the heart and makes us persevere in a good life.   
   Therefore the servant of God ought always to be in good spirits.   
   --St. Philip Neri   
      
   Bible Quote:   
   Now whilst they were speaking these things, Jesus stood in the midst   
   of them, and saith to them: Peace be to you; it is I, fear not. (Luke   
   24:36)   
      
      
   <><><><>   
   Almighty God, you bestowed the singular help of Blessed Peter on those   
   in peril from the sea. By the help of his prayers may the light of   
   your grace shine forth in all the storms of this life and enable us to   
   find the harbor of everlasting salvation. We ask this through our Lord   
   Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy   
   Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.   
      
   --- SoupGate-Win32 v1.05   
    * Origin: you cannot sedate... all the things you hate (1:229/2)