Today’s celebration of the Memorial of Damasus I, Pope is a story for today:
“If we think we’ve got it tough: juggling the gift list, social schedule, family feuds and ailing bank account…consider Damasus. He embodied truism that faith is more a compass than an insurance policy. When he was elected pope, another faction chose someone else. What followed were violent battles, scandals, accusations, heresies, and troubled relations with the Eastern Church.
While we might sing carols about the Prince of Peace, the hard reality of human life has, since the Incarnation, also involved moments of hurricane-force wind. Today, let’s welcome whatever problem we’re reluctant to engage, knowing it might be our teacher.”
Often, we shrink from the demands of discipleship or make excuses as to why we cannot be a good disciple. Look at Damasus and others in our history and be inspired.
The journey continues…as a good disciple not counting the cost.
Blessings,
Fr. Mark
