Memorial of Saints (December 11)

St. Damasus I succeeded Pope Liberius to the papacy. His papal administration lasted eighteen years and two months. Damasus approved the Vulgate (Latin translation of the Bible) written by St. Jerome, and promoted the cult of the martyrs. He is remembered for his modesty, despite his being a very learned man. He is known also for his compassion for the poor, the innocence of his manners, and his holiness. His remains are buried in a small church built on the Ardeatina Way in Rome (died ca. 384 A.D.).

St. Daniel the Stylite was from Syria. He became a monk and soon followed the example of St. Simeon Stylites the Elder. He lived on a "stylos" or "pillar" in Constantinople, where he performed his priestly duties such as celebrating the Mass, preaching sermons, dispensing spiritual advice, and caring for the sick. Renowned for his sanctity and spiritual insights, Daniel lived on a pillar for the last 33 years of his life and was buried in an oratory at the foot of the pillar (died ca. 493 A.D.).

St. Barsabas is known in Christian tradition as an abbot of Persia. He was arrested with twelve of his monks during the persecution of Christians under the reign of King Sapor II. They were all tortured and then beheaded. A passing Mazdean was inspired by the fortitude and patience which these monks displayed under torture. This Mazdean was converted, believed in Christ, and was eventually executed with Barsabas and his monks (died ca. 4th century A.D.).

Sts. Fuscian, Victoricus and Gentian were martyrs. Tradition tells their story. Fuscian and Victoricus were Romans sent to evangelize the Morini in Gaul. Both missionaries were moderately successful. When the two decided to visit St. Quintinus, they learned from an old man named Gentian that Quintinus had been martyred. When the governor heard of the presence of Fuscian and Victoricus in his domain, he had them arrested. Gentian was also arrested, but when he resisted the arrest of the soldiers, they beheaded Gentian on the spot. Fuscian and Victoricus were taken to Amiens, tortured and then beheaded at Saint-aux-Bois (date of death unknown).

2nd Sunday of Advent (B)

(Edited) Sunday reflections: (From) years 2014 (A), 2015 (B), and 2016 (C)

December 7, 2014
Liturgical readings
Isaiah 40:1-5, 9-11
Psalm 85
2 Peter 3:8-14
Mark 1:1-8

"He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit."

The first reading is from the book of Isaiah and prefigures the person of John the Baptist. The first reading refers to the first coming of Christ (the first Advent). The second reading is from the second letter of Peter and refers to the second coming of Christ - a second Advent. This second Advent in the reading is described in cataclysmic terms: "the heavens will pass away with a mighty roar, and the elements will be dissolved by fire". The gospel reading then describes the prophet John the Baptist preparing the way for Jesus. In the gospel reading, John baptizes the people Israel, and leads them to a path to repentance before God. John continues the work of the prophets to bring back the people Israel to God because of their present infidelity to the covenant - a covenant established between them and God since the time of their forefather Abraham.

The hope and anticipation of a Messiah expressed in the readings reminds this present generation of that time when the Lord will come again: in the Parousia, (or Second Coming). The liturgical season of Advent is always a strong reminder of this event. But instead of the fear and anxiety which this event can give, all are encouraged to see the Parousia as an event that brings the final redemption of all. Advent is the season to prepare for such an event. The modern spirit of this season which focuses on Christmas parties and family get-togethers can be balanced by giving more time to listen well to the Advent homilies in Mass and make them a guide in living well this season. Every priest-presider teaches what Advent is and what the spirit of anticipation for Christmas means for all. Listening well obtains a greater understanding of what one's Advent-faith in Christ should be.

What can this Advent-faith in Christ mean? One simple understanding is to prepare Christ's indwelling in one's soul. This direction makes any soul more patient - especially in a time when it is difficult to be so (dealing with traffic, long lines to the cashier, and the common stress of purchasing Noche Buena and gifts). The season of Advent calls all to pause and slow down, to take more opportunities to thank God for the blessings He has given the whole year: life, family, friends, work, and resources to spend for food and gifts. It is the time of year to be humble (to acknowledge one's finitude and return to the Lord); to be vigilant (to avoid excess in food and wine, to be sober and awake); to be joyful (in anticipation of Christ's presence this Christmas); and to have peace (that even with all the bad news we read in social media, each one is held in the saving hand of the Lord).

Saints Who Lived to 100 Years or More (Last Part)

A simple analysis

We know that centenarians are rare in human history. What is even rarer are centenarians who were celebrated as Saints in the altar of the Church. They have focused their life in Christ and centered all what they did in God. Given the list of 22 blesseds and saints, if some analysis were done to this group, we can learn something from the study. There is a limitation to the study as this is just a sample listing. For certain, there are more centenarian-saints in the records of the Church (which are not included here due to the author's limited resources), and also many more in the early centuries whose lives were not recorded in the Church's books. But with this sample list and an analysis, one can produce questions to help anyone reflect on what may have been the reasons for their longevity.

14 out of 22 were religious

14 out of the 22 centenerians were religious - meaning those who lived a very structured community life (or solitary in community) with the vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience to a religious superior. This is quite a remarkable statistic as it is more than half of the entire group: 63.6%. And they are distributed in an almost equal number - with no particular religious order markedly predominating the others: 3 Dominicans, 2 Benedictines, 2 Carthusians, 2 Franciscans, 1 Servite, 1 Gilbertine, 1 Camaldolese, 1 Trinitarian, and 1 Carmelite. Could it be that a very structured life, akin to living in a religious community, contribute to longevity?

10 out of 22 were hermits

10 out of the 22 centenarians were hermits most of their life - or lived an eremitical life at one stage of their life. The percentage of hermits over the others is 45.5% - just a little below half of the group. We know how living in a city can be a very stressful lifestyle, and can contribute to an early death. Could it be that living in an isolated place, far from the hectic pace of civilized activity, be a contributory factor to longevity?

9 out of 22 lived to 100 years, 13 out of 22 lived more!

9 out of 22 centenarians, or 40.9% lived to 100 years; the other 13, or 59.1% outlived them! It is interesting to note that in this sample, there are more who lived passed the age of 100 years. What could have been the common denominator shared by those who have lived passed 100 years?

13 lived in the second millenium

7 centenarians lived in the first millenium, 13 lived in the second millenium, while 2 lived on the cusp: between the 1st and 2nd millenium. Those two who lived on the cusp between the 1st and 2nd millenium, are the only two in the group who lived to 120 years. And they both lived as Benedictines. Is living on the cusp of the millenium contributory to longevity? Were the two who survived the stresses of the 'millenial change', strengthened both spiritually and physically by the experience?

Life is a gift

We can quote St. John Paul II as one who also lived on the cusp - between the second and third millenium - what his view on life is. He says:

"This life is a talent entrusted to all of us so that we can transform it and increase it, making it a gift to others."

What John Paul II says is true. Each one's life is a gifts from God. Each life on earth is an instrument by which we see God's mercy and goodness, even despite imperfections and defects. With this sample study on the life of centenarian-saints, one can use it as a platform to learn more about the Christian faith, and the riches of Catholic spirituality (Benedictine, Trinitarian, Camaldolese, etc.). By reflecting more on what the gift of life essentially means in the Christian context, one can discover a depth of meaning, and a richness of purpose to live for God and others.