One Minute Reflection – 23 April – Monday of the Fourth Week of Eastertide and the Memorial of St George
Since we have these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from every defilement of flesh and spirit, making holiness perfect in the fear of God.…2 Corinthians 7:1
REFLECTION – “Saint George was a man who abandoned one army for another, he gave up the rank of tribune to enlist as a soldier for Christ. Eager to encounter the enemy, he first stripped away his worldly wealth by giving all he had to he poor. Then, free and unencumbered, bearing the shield of faith, he plunged into the thick of the battle, an ardent soldier for Christ. Clearly what he did, serves to teach us a valuable lesson, if we are afraid to strip ourselves of out worldly possessions, then we are unfit to make a strong defence of the faith. Dear brothers, let us not only admire the courage of this fighter in heaven’s army but follow his example. Let us be inspired to strive for the reward of heavenly glory. We must now cleanse ourselves, as Saint Paul tells us, from all defilement of body and spirit, so that one day we too may deserve to enter that temple of blessedness to which we now aspire.” – from a sermon by St Peter Damian (1007-1072) Doctor of the Church
PRAYER – Almighty, everliving God, we confidently call You Father, as well as Lord. Renew Your Spirit in our hearts, make us ever more perfectly Your children. Grant that all who have received the grace of Baptism may strive to be worthy of their Christian calling and reject everything opposed to it. St George, in strength and love, you rejected false Gods, gave all you had to the poor and bravely went to your death in complete trust, please pray for us. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, in union with the Holy Spirit, one God forever, amen.
AnaStpaul 