Saint Euphrasia was born in Constantinople in 382, the offspring of noble and devout parents who enjoyed the esteem of Emperor Theodosius and his empress. Following her father Antigonus’s premature demise, Euphrasia and her mother, embracing a life dedicated to the divine, settled in Egypt, close to a nunnery housing 130 nuns. This region was notable for its devout communities, with one city alone home to over twenty thousand women consecrated to Christ.

At seven, Euphrasia expressed a wish to join the monastery, a request that filled her mother with joy. In a solemn moment, her mother entrusted her to Christ’s care, leaving her in the abbey’s custody with tears of joy and sorrow.

The years that followed were marked by devout living until her mother’s death, which brought peace to her soul. News of this event prompted Theodosius to summon Euphrasia, hoping to fulfil a promise of marriage to a young senator. However, Euphrasia’s resolve was firm; in a letter, she declared her life devoted to Christ, requesting her wealth be distributed among the poor and her slaves freed, a wish Theodosius honoured.

Euphrasia’s life exemplified humility, meekness, and compassion. She faced temptation with grace, often accepting penitential tasks that showcased her humility. Her most notable act of penance involved moving a large pile of rocks over a month, a task that, according to legend, eventually led to the devil conceding defeat.

Her faith granted her power over demons, healing abilities, and the performance of miracles. Notably, she healed a child of paralysis and muteness with a simple blessing. Euphrasia’s death in 412, at thirty, marked the end of a life filled with acts of piety and miracles, leaving a legacy of devotion and humility.

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Thursday of Holy Week

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Would we have believed it? If we had been among the crowd that witnessed the miracle in today’s Gospel, would we have stood amazed at the power of God, or would we have been looking for the trick? Do we try to rationalize it thinking that it’s by the power of demons that He drives out demons? Or maybe we would have been among those other doubters who, upon witnessing the first miracle, demand another as proof of the first.

As for me, I like to imagine that I would have stood in awe and wonder at the glory on display in front of me, but if Christ were to come again in my lifetime, and His miracles happened on the streets of my town, I’m afraid I would be just as distracted and looking for the scam as those in the Gospel. 

Jesus is who He says he is. By this time in Luke’s Gospel, He has calmed the sea, healed the hemorrhaging woman, raised Jairus’s daughter from the dead (but they were keeping that one on the down-low), and fed the five thousand. Why do the people doubt the miracle they see? The people had been longing for their Messiah for centuries, dreaming of what it would be like when He finally arrived. Now, here He was, but rather than riding in triumphant and wreaking vengeance on all who had mistreated them, He was turning what they knew upside down, asking them to change everything to follow Him.

Then Jesus explains that the people are like the strong man, fully armed, guarding his palace. They’ve got it covered. They feel safe, and in control. They are comfortable with what they know. But now, here comes this greater power that can scatter that armor and it’s daunting.

Maybe the people in the crowd doubted because, if Jesus was who He said He was, too much would be asked of them. Maybe it was easier to write Jesus off as a fake than to stand up and answer His call. Could they be kind of intrigued by Jesus, but not quite buy the whole deal? No. Jesus’ response indicates there is no lukewarm. “Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters.”

Those standing in the crowd that day had only had a few months to get to know their Savior. We’ve had a lifetime, buoyed by centuries of wisdom from holy men and women who’ve preceded us. He calls each of us today as He called that crowd gathered in the Holy Land. “You know in your heart who I am. Now you are either with me or against me.”

How will you answer?

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¿Lo hubiéramos creído? Si hubiéramos estado entre la multitud que presenció el milagro del Evangelio de hoy, ¿nos hubiéramos quedado asombrados ante el poder de Dios o hubiéramos estado buscando algún truco? ¿Intentamos racionalizarlo pensando que es por el poder de los demonios que expulsa a los demonios? O tal vez habríamos estado entre esos escépticos que, al presenciar el primer milagro, exigen otro como prueba del primero.

En cuanto a mí, quisiera imaginar que me hubiera quedado maravillada ante la gloria que se desplegaba ante mí, pero si Cristo volviera en mi vida y sus milagros ocurrieran en las calles de mi ciudad, desafortunadamente creo que estaría igual de distraída y buscando algún engaño que las personas en el Evangelio de hoy.

Jesús es quien dice ser. Para este momento del Evangelio de Lucas, Jesús ya había calmado el mar, sanado a la mujer que sufría de hemorragia, resucitado a la hija de Jairo (aunque esto se mantenía en secreto) y alimentado a los cinco mil. ¿Por qué dudaba la gente del milagro que presenciaban? Llevaban siglos anhelando a su Mesías, soñando con su llegada. Y ahora, allí estaba, pero en lugar de llegar triunfante y vengarse de quienes los habían maltratado, estaba transformando radicalmente su forma de vida, pidiéndoles que cambiaran todo para seguirlo.

Luego Jesús explica que la gente era como un hombre fuerte, completamente armado, que custodiaba su palacio. Se sentían seguros, confiados y en control. Estaban cómodos con lo que conocían. Pero ahora, llegaba un poder superior capaz de destruir esa armadura, y eso los intimidaba.

Quizás la multitud dudaba porque, si Jesús era quien decía ser, se les exigiría demasiado. Quizás era más fácil tachar a Jesús de farsante que responder a su llamado. ¿Podrían tener cierta curiosidad sobre quién era Jesús pero sin llegar a creer en él por completo? No. La respuesta de Jesús indica que no hay un entremedio: “El que no está conmigo, está contra mí; y el que no recoge conmigo, desparrama”.

Quienes estaban entre la multitud aquel día apenas habían tenido unos meses para conocer a su Salvador. Nosotros hemos tenido toda una vida, fortalecidos por siglos de sabiduría de hombres y mujeres santos que nos precedieron. Él nos llama a cada uno hoy como llamó a aquella multitud reunida en la Tierra Santa: “Ustedes saben en su corazón quién soy. Ahora bien, o están conmigo o están contra mí”.

¿Cómo responderás?

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Pamela Kavanaugh is a grateful wife, mother, and grandmother who has dedicated her professional life to Catholic education. Though she has done her very best to teach her students well in the subjects of language and religion, she knows that she has learned more than she has taught. She lives, teaches, and writes in southwest suburban Chicago.

Feature Image Credit: Brendan Church, unsplash.com/photos/white-and-black-one-way-printed-road-signages-pKeF6Tt3c08

The views and opinions expressed in the Inspiration Daily blog are solely those of the original authors and contributors. These views and opinions do not necessarily represent those of Diocesan, the Diocesan staff, or other contributors to this blog.

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Thursday of Holy Week

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Holy Thursday

The feast of Maundy (or Holy) Thursday solemnly commemorates the institution of the Eucharist and is the oldest of the observances peculiar to Holy Week. The post Holy Thursday appeared

Saint Roderic, also known as Ruderic or Rodriguez, navigated a tumultuous life in 9th-century Spain, a period marked by intense persecution of Christians by the Moors. Amidst this strife, Roderic’s familial bonds were severely tested; his siblings diverged drastically in faith—one abandoning Catholicism, while the other embraced Islam.

A fierce dispute between his brothers escalated into violence, and Roderic’s attempt at peacemaking was met with brutality, leaving him severely injured. In a cruel twist, as he recovered, his Muslim brother exploited his weakened state, forcing him through the streets and falsely declaring his conversion to Islam.

Confronted by authorities and questioned, Roderic firmly rejected the claims of his conversion, asserting his Christian faith. This act of defiance was deemed apostasy by the Muslim rulers, leading to his arrest. Imprisoned alongside Solomon, another accused of renouncing Islam, both men faced their fate together.

On March 13, 857, Solomon and Roderic were executed by beheading, their commitment to their faith unwavering to the end.

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In the year 1042, within the Moorish-held village of Villavelayo, Spain, Saint Aurea was born. Her early years were steeped in the study of Scripture and the tales of early Church martyrs. She found particular solace and inspiration in the lives of Saints Agatha, Eulalia, and Cecilia.

Emboldened by these figures, Aurea left her familial home as a young woman, seeking the cloistered life. She entered the convent of San Millan de la Cogolla, immersing herself fully in its rituals and routines. It wasn’t long before a profound vision of her three cherished saints bolstered her commitment to this chosen path. Through her, a multitude of miracles were said to manifest, drawing many to seek her counsel and intercessions. Her reputation for spiritual visions and miraculous deeds spread far and wide.

However, her time in the monastery was to be short-lived. By 1069, a grievous illness claimed her, ending her life at the age of twenty-seven.

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Dominic Savio, a choirboys’ patron saint, emerged from humble origins in Riva, Italy. At twelve, he joined St. John Bosco’s Oratory in Turin as a student. His aspiration for priesthood and dedication to aiding Bosco with marginalized youth marked him out. Dominic was a natural mediator and leader, establishing the Company of the Immaculate Conception. This group was not only devotional but also supported Bosco’s work with the youth and in manual tasks. By 1859, all members except Dominic had joined the initial ranks of Bosco’s Salesian order. Dominic, however, had already passed on.

Dominic was known for his profound prayer life, often experiencing raptures he humorously termed “my distractions.” His spirituality was so intense that he feared his expressions of faith might be misunderstood as frivolity by his peers. He held a belief in performing all actions, no matter how minor, for God’s greater glory.

Fragile health plagued Dominic, leading to severe lung issues. Attempting to recuperate at home, he underwent bleeding, a common treatment then, which only exacerbated his condition. He died on March 9, 1857, after receiving the Last Rites, with St. John Bosco chronicling his life.

There were those who questioned Dominic’s sainthood due to his youth. Contrary to this, St. Pius X affirmed that his young age was not a barrier but a testament to his sanctity, leading to his canonization in 1954.

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Thursday of Holy Week

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Frances of Rome, born into Italian nobility in the 15th century, challenged expectations early on. At eleven, she expressed a wish to join a convent, a plan diverging sharply from her parents’ intentions of marrying her into wealth. Despite her aspirations, Frances found herself wed at thirteen to a wealthy landowner, Lorenzo dei Ponziani, marking the beginning of a forty-year marriage grounded in devotion.

Rome during this era was far from its later celebrated self, grappling with internal conflicts, natural disasters, and widespread disease. It was against this tumultuous backdrop that Frances, alongside her sister-in-law Vannozza, extended support to those battered by disease and conflict. Her life, too, was marred by adversity: the invasion and pillaging of her home by Ladislaus of Naples in 1409, and the subsequent exile of her husband. Such events, while not rare for the period, posed significant personal trials.

Upon Lorenzo’s return in 1414, a shadow of his former self, Frances’s care was unwavering. Her charitable deeds during these trying times won her renown, drawing others to her cause of self-sacrifice and service. This led to the founding of the Benedictine Oblates of Monte Oliveto on August 15, 1425, a community blending familial and communal obligations, which received papal approval in 1433. The community’s constitution was sanctioned in 1436, the same year Frances, now a widow, joined the order she founded.

Frances’s life came to a close on March 9, 1440, after fifty-six years of relentless dedication to her fellow citizens and acts of charity. Despite personal losses, including the death of two children and witnessing her husband’s downfall, her commitment to helping others never wavered. Canonized on May 29, 1608, her legacy endures, with her tomb at Santa Francesca Romana a testament to her life’s work, and her community continuing its educational mission.

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Saint John of God, born in 1495, underwent a profound spiritual transformation at the age of 40. After years of military service and a departure from his Christian faith, he experienced a profound awakening to the depth of his past misdeeds. This realization propelled him to dedicate the remainder of his life to serving God, initially leading him to Africa with the aim of liberating captive Christians and possibly achieving martyrdom.

However, he was soon counseled that his quest for martyrdom was not founded on genuine spiritual insight, prompting his return to Spain where he began a modest venture running a religious goods store. Yet, his soul remained restless. Influenced by a sermon from the Blessed John of Avila, John of God exhibited a dramatic public display of self-flagellation, pleading for mercy and expressing deep repentance for his life’s actions. This act led to his confinement in a mental institution, where he was visited by the Blessed John of Avila, who advised him to channel his energies into serving others rather than focusing on self-imposed suffering. Heeding this counsel brought John peace, and he soon left the hospital to dedicate himself to assisting the poor.

John established a haven for the impoverished sick, initially sustaining his mission through personal begging. His dedication and the visible impact of his work soon attracted support from the community, including notable figures like the archbishop and the marquis of Tarifa. John’s service was deeply intertwined with a rich inner life of prayer and humility, traits that endeared him to many and eventually led to the formation of the Brothers Hospitallers, a global religious order, by his followers 20 years after his death.

The order’s commitment to caring for the sick was so esteemed that it was charged with the medical care of the Popes, a lasting tribute to John’s legacy. Despite health challenges in his final decade of ministry, John discreetly managed his condition while ensuring the continuity of his work by organizing the hospital’s administration and designating a successor.

Saint John of God passed away on his 55th birthday, March 8, 1550. He was canonized by Pope Alexander VIII on October 16, 1690, and is venerated as the patron saint of hospitals, the sick, nurses, firefighters, alcoholics, and booksellers, with his feast day celebrated on March 8.

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Thursday of Holy Week

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In the year 203, amidst the oppressive atmosphere of Septimus Severus’ persecution, Saint Perpetua made the life-altering choice to embrace Christianity, fully aware of the mortal danger this entailed. Inspired by her conviction, her brother also embarked on the path to become a catechumen, mirroring her courageous step.

The decision plunged her father into a state of despair, driven by his deep concern for her welfare. At 22, Perpetua, a figure of education and vibrant spirit, and a mother to a nursing infant, faced intense societal and familial pressure to renounce her newfound faith. The historical silence on her husband’s existence leads many to speculate she was a widow, adding another layer of vulnerability to her situation. Yet, her resolve was unshakeable. In a poignant exchange with her father, Perpetua likened her identity as a Christian to the undeniable reality of a water jug’s existence – fundamental and unchangeable.

This steadfast declaration incited her father to violence, a reaction that underscored the profound divide her faith had created within her family. However, the ensuing separation, a consequence of her arrest, brought her a brief respite from familial conflict, despite the grim circumstances of her imprisonment.

Perpetua’s baptism prior to her imprisonment marked the beginning of a journey characterized by divine encounters and prophetic gifts. Enclosed within a suffocatingly dark and overcrowded prison, she faced the terror of her predicament with a focus on spiritual endurance, encouraged by a divine message received at her baptism.

The prison’s harsh conditions were especially torturous for Perpetua, separated from her infant son, and for Felicity, a fellow catechumen who was pregnant. The intervention of two deacons, who improved their conditions, allowed Perpetua brief moments of solace with her child and highlighted the compassion within the Christian community.

Facing the inevitability of martyrdom, Perpetua remained resolute, even as her father and the judge pleaded for her to recant. Her imprisonment was marked by visions and spiritual insights, including prayers for her deceased brother Dinocrates, which provided her with a sense of purpose amidst her suffering.

Felicity, too, faced her own trials with a serene faith, fearing that her impending childbirth might delay her martyrdom and separate her from her companions. Miraculously, she gave birth just in time to join them in their final journey.

The prison officials, witnessing the Christians’ dignified resilience, were at times swayed by fear or respect, illustrating the complex dynamics between the early Christians and Roman authority.

On the eve of their execution, the martyrs transformed their public humiliation into a testament of faith, challenging both the spectators and their executioners with their unwavering spirit.

In the arena, the refusal to don pagan robes symbolized their ultimate rejection of Roman polytheism and an assertion of their freedom in Christ. Despite the brutal spectacle designed to break their spirits, Perpetua and her companions faced their deaths with a transcendent calm, turning a moment of intended degradation into a profound witness of faith.

Perpetua’s last words were to her brother: “Stand fast in the faith and love one another.”

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Thursday of Holy Week

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Saint Colette, born in 1381 to a carpenter named DeBoilet in Corby Abbey, Picardy, France, embarked on a remarkable journey of faith and reform after being orphaned at seventeen. Choosing to distribute her inheritance among the poor, she joined the Franciscan tertiaries and adopted a solitary life within Corby Abbey.

Her life took a transformative turn following visions of Saint Francis of Assisi, who commanded her to restore the Rule of Saint Clare to its pristine strictness. Initially hesitant, Colette was struck by a temporary blindness followed by muteness, each lasting three days. She interpreted these afflictions as divine signals to pursue her calling.

Faced with initial resistance when she tried to share her mission, Colette realized the need for authoritative support. Thus, she undertook a humble pilgrimage to Nice, France, to seek the endorsement of Peter de Luna, recognized by the French as Pope Benedict XIII despite the ongoing schism. Impressed by her conviction, he ordained her as a Poor Clare and granted her the authority to oversee the reformation and establishment of convents for the Minoresses, as well as to act as a missioner to Franciscan friars and tertiaries.

Colette’s journey was fraught with challenges, including opposition, defamation, and even accusations of sorcery. Despite these hurdles, she found success and support, notably in Savoy, which became a stronghold for her reformist efforts. Her reforms eventually spread to Burgundy in France, Flanders in Belgium, and even Spain.

In collaboration with Saint Vincent Ferrer, Colette played a pivotal role in resolving the papal schism. Her foundational efforts led to the creation of seventeen convents, and the establishment of the Colettine Poor Clares, a branch of the Poor Clares that adheres to her strict reforms, which include extreme poverty, barefootedness, and the observance of perpetual fasting and abstinence.

Renowned for her profound devotion to Christ’s Passion and her compassionate care for animals, Colette’s spiritual practices included fasting every Friday in meditation on the Passion and experiencing hours-long ecstasies after receiving Holy Communion. She even predicted her own death, underscoring her deep spiritual insight.

The Colettine Sisters, a testament to Colette’s enduring legacy, continue her work beyond France in countries such as Belgium, Germany, Spain, England, and the United States. Saint Colette was beatified on January 23, 1740, and canonized on May 24, 1807.

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Thursday of Holy Week

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Saint John Joseph of the Cross, born on the feast of the Assumption in 1654 on the island of Ischia in the kingdom of Naples, exemplified virtue from an early age. At sixteen, he joined the Franciscan Order of the Strict Observance, also known as the Reform of Saint Peter of Alcantara, in Naples. His piety and dedication were so profound that, merely three years after taking his vows, he was tasked with establishing a new monastery in Piedmont. There, he not only contributed to its physical construction but also instilled a spirit of deep silence and fervor among its inhabitants.

Saint John Joseph experienced an extraordinary moment of ecstasy in the chapel, where he was seen levitating. His journey to priesthood was marked by obedience to his superiors, and he possessed an almost divinely inspired grasp of moral theology, which he nurtured in silence and prayer. The saint was at his mother’s side during her final moments, and after celebrating a Mass for her soul, he witnessed her ascension to heaven.

With the approval of his superiors, he went on to found another convent and formulated a set of rules for the community, which were later ratified by the Holy See. As a master of novices, he was vigilant and kind, maintaining a steady demeanor. His role later expanded when he was appointed Provincial of the Naples Province by Clement XI in the early 18th century. Despite facing numerous challenges, including defamation, Saint John Joseph worked tirelessly to spread the Franciscan Order of the Strict Observance in Italy, emphasizing the dual focus on contemplation and penance inherited from Saint Peter of Alcantara. His efforts were characterized by humility, discipline, and a range of supernatural gifts, including prophecy and the ability to perform miracles.

Saint John Joseph of the Cross passed away in Naples on March 5, 1734, after a lifetime devoted to the service of God. His death was followed by numerous miracles, further attesting to his sanctity. In recognition of his holy life and miraculous deeds, he was canonized by Pope Gregory XVI in 1839.

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Thursday of Holy Week

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