61st Anniversary of the Canonization of Peter Julian Eymard
On this first Saturday of Advent, we receive the promise of hope. As we approach the shortest day of light, we rely on Isaiah’s message from God of the promise of light – hope amid today’s chaos and suffering throughout our world! Can we look to the light of eternal day – the light of Christ through prayer?
We read of God’s promise to provide for all creation in every way. We are called to be the blessed waiting for the Lord, believing that he is gracious, heals, and his wisdom is limitless. Waiting is never easy! When we wait to fulfill God’s promises, we pray, “When, Lord, when?” Let’s remember our time has no relevance to the Lord’s clock. However, we must not sit idly. Jesus commanded the apostles to ‘proclaim the kingdom of Heaven is at hand.’ Meanwhile, they were to cure the sick, raise the dead, cleanse lepers, and drive out demons. How do we fulfill our mission while waiting for the kingdom of heaven?
Also, on this day in Rome in 1962, the day after the conclusion of the first session of the Vatican Council, Pope John XXIII proclaimed the sainthood of Peter Julian Eymard. The holy Pontiff affirmed: We saw with Our own eyes the poor bed, the humble dwelling where this faithful imitator of Christ gave up his beautiful soul to God. You can surmise, beloved Sons, with what emotion We recall that memory on this day when it is given Us to confer upon him the honors of canonization. He also referred to him as ‘The Perfect Adorer of the Blessed Sacrament,’ saying, His characteristic distinction, the guiding thought of all his priestly activities, one may say, was the Eucharist: Eucharistic worship and apostolate.
Prayer:
Gracious and loving God, we praise and love you. As we wait for your coming, we ask that you show us the pathway to you while we travel our road of life on earth. Show us the path to peace on earth – the peace that only you can provide. You have given us so much, and we repent for any time we have failed you. Let us see your eyes in the eyes of all your children on earth so we may generously extend our hearts to all. Amen.
