From: richarra@gmail.com   
      
   Tap into The Source of Comfort in affliction.   
      
   "If at times you are in such confusion of mind that you seem totally   
   incapable of calming yourself, have immediate recourse to prayer.  And   
   persevere in it in imitation of Christ, Our Lord, Who prayed three   
   times in the garden to show mankind that only in conversation with God   
   can afflicted souls find haven and refuge."   
   --Dom Lorenzo Scupoli, priest and author of the book, 'The Spiritual Combat'   
      
   =================   
   January 11th - Servant of God John the Gardener   
   d. 1501   
      
    as John insisted, forgiveness is the loveliest thing in God’s eyes.   
      
    We don’t know much about John, with the exception that he was   
   gracious, self-sacrificing, and served others without reserve.  He   
   truly labored in the garden of the Lord, converting many and leading   
   them along the paths of love and Gospel truth.   
      
   John’s life was never easy.  He was born into an extremely poor family   
   in Portugal.  While still a child, John was orphaned, and gathered   
   enough food for himself to survive by begging from door to door.  He   
   eventually found work as a shepherd, having walked and begged into   
   neighboring Spain.  Even as a child, whatever he earned from his hard   
   days in the fields, he shared with those more needy than himself.   
      
   In his young adulthood, John encountered two Franciscans while on a   
   journey.  Impressed by his simple kindness, charitable spirit, and   
   joyous disposition (despite what had clearly been a hard life), the   
   friars invited him to come and work at their friary in Salamanca.   
   John readily accepted and upon arrival was assigned to the garden.   
   There, he was instructed to assist the brother with gardening duties.   
   No task was too menial or difficult for John.  He never complained,   
   and instead, found joy in each task.   
      
   Before long, John entered the Franciscan Order, committing himself to   
   a rigorous schedule of prayer and meditation, near-constant fasting,   
   and tireless service to the poor.   In addition, he continued to tend   
   the garden, growing the most beautiful flowers for the alter of the   
   Lord, and earning himself the nickname, “the Gardener.”   
      
   John was sought out for advice, guidance, and spiritual direction by   
   many, including businessmen, princes, and other important persons.  He   
   was gifted with the gift of prophecy and could read the hearts of men,   
   and therefore offered loving and intimate guidance, leading all toward   
   the goodness of the Lord.  His most frequent advice was for those who   
   sought his help to forgive—even when it was difficult-- as this was a   
   pleasing penance to the Lord.   
      
   John predicted his own death, January 11, 1501. His legacy in service   
   and truth reminds us that to be great in the eyes of the Lord we need   
   only love each other, simply and joyously.   
      
      
   Saint Quote:   
   "Give as if every pasture in the mountains of Ireland belonged to you."   
   --Saint Aidan.   
      
   Bible Quote:   
   And all the angels stood round about the throne, and about the elders   
   and the four beasts, and fell before the throne on their faces, and   
   worshipped God, Saying, Amen! Blessing, and glory, and wisdom, and   
   thanksgiving, and honour, and power, and might, be unto our God for   
   ever and ever. Amen  (Revelation 7:11,12 )   
      
      
   <><><><>   
   A prayer of Pere Leonce de Grandmaison, SJ, for the heart of a child:   
      
   Holy Mary, Mother of God,   
   preserve in me the heart of a child,   
   pure and transparent as a spring.   
      
   Obtain for me a simple heart   
   That does not brood over sorrows;   
   A heart generous in giving itself,   
   Quick to feel compassion;   
   A faithful, generous heart   
   that forgets no favor   
   and holds no grudge.   
      
   Give me a humble, gentle heart   
   Loving without asking any return;   
   A great indomitable heart   
   That no ingratitude can close,   
   No indifference can weary;   
   A heart tortured by its desire   
   for the glory of Jesus Christ:   
   Pierced by His love   
   With a wound that will heal   
   only in Heaven.   
      
   --- SoupGate-Win32 v1.05   
    * Origin: you cannot sedate... all the things you hate (1:229/2)