Today in England, Pope Benedict XVI beatifies a man who sacrificed all in his quest for truth and in order to follow God's will in everything. A former Anglican converted Catholic, ordained priest, and later cardinal, John Henry Newman is appropriately being honored as an example of perseverance in the path to sainthood. He said, "A good man seeks to please himself, not necessarily seeking to offend God, but a saint is one who seeks to please God in all things, no matter what the cost." The Holy Father used Newman's life as an example as to how we should be answering Christ's call in our own lives.
"Newman's life also teaches us that passion for the truth, intellectual honesty and the genuine conversion are costly. The truth that sets us free cannot be kept to ourselves; it calls for testimony, it begs to be heard, and in the end its convincing power comes from itself and not from the human eloquence or arguments in which it may be couched."
"We know that in times of crisis and upheaval God has raised up great saints and prophets for the renewal of the Church and Christian society; we trust in his providence and we pray for his continued guidance. But each of us, in accordance with his or her state of life, is called to work for the advancement of God's Kingdom by imbuing temporal life with the values of the Gospel."
"Christ had need of families to remind the world of the dignity of human love and the beauty of family life. He needs men and women who devote their lives to the noble task of education, tending the young and forming them in the ways of the Gospel."
"Ask our Lord what he has in mind for you. Ask him the generosity to say yes. Do not be afraid to give yourself totally to Jesus. He will give you the grace you need to fulfill your vocation."
These are only a few gems from this amazing address; read it in its entirety here. What a wise and holy pope we have in Benedict XVI. I have not had an opportunity to read much of his writing yet, but this short speech alone is peppered with Benedict's great humility, strong desire for the continuous conversion of souls, and an overflowing love for Christ and His Church - I believe I will be reading much more Benedict in the future. A great affection for our dear late Pope Paul II was fostered in my heart during my childhood thanks to my father's constant praise of, and explanation of his documents, faith, and love for God's people. And now another spiritual giant to lead us - much needed strength and wisdom during this time when Christ's Church and people are under so much attack.
Blessed John Henry Newman, pray for us, that we will seek to please God in all facets of our daily life in order to become saints.
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